The collision involving the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary goods train near Chennai has raised significant concerns regarding railway safety and operational protocols. The accident occurred around 8:30 PM on October 11, 2024, at Kavaraippettai railway station, resulting in injuries to 19 passengers and the derailment of 12 coaches.
According to officials, the express train was not scheduled to stop at Kavaraippettai and was supposed to pass through the station. After departing from Chennai, the driver followed the correct signals. However, instead of remaining on the main track, the train mistakenly switched to a loop line where the goods train was stationed. This error led to a rear-end collision at a speed of approximately 75 km/h.
Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh explained that while entering the station, the crew experienced a heavy jerk, which contributed to the train’s deviation from its intended path. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain why the train switched tracks despite clear signals indicating it should have taken the main line.
The consequences of this incident were immediate and severe. In addition to the injuries sustained by passengers, which included four individuals with serious injuries, the collision disrupted train services across the region. Several trains were canceled or diverted as rescue operations commenced. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.
Railway authorities have initiated a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine accountability and prevent future occurrences. The swift response from emergency services ensured that injured passengers received timely medical attention, with many being evacuated to nearby hospitals.
As investigations continue, this accident highlights ongoing concerns about railway safety in India. The need for stringent adherence to operational protocols and thorough training for railway staff is paramount to avoid such tragic incidents in the future.
