Odisha Train Accident: Following the devastating train disaster in Odisha on June 2, which claimed more than 280 lives, the Railway Board has introduced stringent safety measures. As part of these changes, a double-locking mechanism has been made mandatory for all signalling assets across Indian Railways.
Impacting a wide range of railway infrastructure, this decree extends to all relay rooms housing train control systems, and also encompasses the signalling and telecommunication apparatus at level-crossings, alongside point and track circuit signals.
These safety measures have been designed to prevent any potential interference with the signal relay system, reducing the risk of such tragic accidents in the future.
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The Triggering Incident: Odisha Train Accident
In a heart-wrenching incident earlier this month, the Coromandel Express train was tragically rerouted onto a loop line at Balasore, causing it to collide with a stationary goods train. A subsequent investigation into this calamity hinted at “signalling interference,” leading to the derailment of the train, revealing the necessity of tighter security in relay rooms.
Strengthening Train Movement Protocol After Maintenance
In addition to the double-locking mandate, the Railway Board has also revamped the protocol for initiating train movement post-maintenance operations. This move is part of a broader initiative to enhance the safety of rail passengers and crew alike, responding proactively to the tragic lessons learned from the Odisha train catastrophe.
The new protocol will serve to ensure that every train, post-maintenance, adheres to a more rigorous set of safety checks before it is allowed to begin its journey. The enhanced procedures aim to detect and address any potential malfunctions or lapses in equipment and signalling systems promptly, thereby bolstering safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
The recent directives from the Railway Board come as a stern response to the tragic incident in Odisha. This decisive action to strengthen safety measures underscores the Indian Railway’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers and staff. However, it remains to be seen how efficiently these regulations will be implemented across the massive network of Indian Railways.
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