Bahanaga train mishap was due to lapses in signalling- circuit-alteration: Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha

The collision between Coromandel Express and a goods train near Bahanaga bazaar railway station was due to lapses in the signalling- circuit-alteration carried out at the North Signal Goomty (of the station), informed Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Answering a question by Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik, Vaishnaw said, “Lapses were also identified during the execution of the signalling work related to the replacement of Electric Lifting Barrier for level crossing gate no. 94 at the Station.”

“These lapses resulted in wrong signalling to the Train No. 12841 wherein the up home signal indicated green aspect for run-through movement on the up main line of the station, but the crossover connecting the up main line to the up loop line (crossover 17 A/13) was set to the up loop line. This wrong signalling resulted in the Train No. 12841 traversing on the up loop line, and eventual rear-collision with the goods train (No. NIDDIP) standing there,” Vaishnaw said.

“Seven Railway officials have been suspended and Discipline and Appeal Rules (D&AR) proceedings have been initiated against these officials,” he added.

On the remedial action, Vaishnaw said, “Instruction to follow the protocol for any alteration works involving changes in the existing system has been enforced.

Concept of Rolling Block was introduced wherein work of maintenance/ repair/ replacement is planned for two weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed accordingly. Special drive has been launched to ensure this, said Vaishnaw.

Double locking arrangement in Relay Room/Goomties at LC gates, IBH and auto Huts. Data logging and generation of SMS alert for opening/closing of doors of these relay rooms/Goomties. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment is being followed strictly as per laid down norms and guidelines. Indoor and outdoor writing works details of signalling gears at station have been verified, he added.

295 passengers lost their lives in the tragic Balasore train accident on June 2, 2023. While 176 sustained grievous injuries, 451 suffered minor injuries and 180 received first aid treatment after being injured in the train mishap.