Odisha train tragedy: Why sabotage angle not ruled out 

The sabotage angle behind the three-train crash at Bahanaga bazaar in Balasore is gaining ground since the day the Railway Board recommended a CBI probe into the mishap. 

Amid several theories making rounds on social media about the tragic train mishap, one question is being continuously asked that why the Coromandel Express took the loop line.

The Express was running at a speed of 128 kmph speed on the main line and it was supposed to go straight as a goods train was already on the loop line. So, there was no question of the Coromandel Express taking the loop line. 

When there is a need to divert a train from the main line to the loop line, it is done by an automatic software-controlled Interlocking System. And it is worth mentioning here that India has one of the world’s best Interlocking Systems and it hardly goes malfunctioned. 

Now coming to the situation of that fateful evening, the Coromandel Express was running on the main line since the signal was green but suddenly something mysterious happened to it. The Interlocking System diverted the train to the loop line, even though a goods train was there on the loop line. And what happened then is known to all. 

It is claimed that the Interlocking System never malfunctions unless and until someone deliberately tampers with it. So, it is widely suspected that there must be someone behind this sudden change in the command in the Interlocking System. 

Another theory is also raised claiming that (in case it’s a sabotage) the accused must have wanted maximum damage and hence, a time for the accident was chosen when a goods train was on the loop line and at the same time the Duranto Express was passing the same location.

On the other hand, Khordha Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Rinkesh Roy has also hinted at possible sabotage and alleged that without physical tampering there would be no problem with the signal system.

Meanwhile, a CBI team reportedly reached the accident site in Bahanaga on Tuesday to probe into the crash involving three trains.