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The tragic derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, has shaken the nation. A preliminary investigation, conducted by a five-member panel of Indian Railways officials, has attributed the accident to improper fastening of the railway track. The panel's report states that the fastening was ineffective, leading to the derailment of 19 coaches. However, the incident has sparked controversy, with one member of the panel dissenting from the conclusion. This dissenting official, representing the engineering department, believes that improper braking by the train's loco pilot may have been the primary cause.
The report details the events leading up to the derailment. At 1.30 pm, the defective spot on the track was detected, prompting the station master at Motiganj to implement a caution order limiting train speed to 30 kilometers per hour. Despite this order, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express was traveling at 80 kilometers per hour when it crossed the defective area. This discrepancy has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of safety protocols and the accountability of railway officials. The panel report emphasizes the engineering department's responsibility for failing to protect the site until the caution order was implemented.
The dissent within the panel highlights the complexities involved in accident investigations. While the faulty track fastening appears to be a significant factor, the dissenting official argues that other contributing factors, such as the loco pilot's actions, should be thoroughly investigated. This disagreement underscores the need for a comprehensive and impartial examination of all possible causes. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has already initiated an independent investigation, aiming to provide a detailed and accurate account of the accident. This investigation will delve into the technical specifications and minute details, potentially revealing crucial information that might have been overlooked in the initial probe.
The Gonda train derailment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust safety measures in the railway system. While the preliminary investigation has identified potential contributing factors, a thorough and transparent investigation is essential to determine the exact cause of the accident and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for railway safety standards and practices, emphasizing the need for accountability and continuous improvement in infrastructure maintenance and operational procedures.
Source: Gonda train derailment: Preliminary probe says improper fastening of railway track responsible