Balasore Train Tragedy: Manual Bypassing of Signalling System Suspected

Balasore: The official investigation into the rail crash in India is focusing on the suspected manual bypassing of an automated signalling system, according to three sources from Indian Railways. The bypass is believed to have been carried out by railway workers to overcome issues with a malfunctioning barrier at a railroad intersection. The crash, which occurred on June 2 in Odisha, resulted in the death of at least 288 people and injured over 1,000, making it the country’s worst rail accident in 20 years.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) is examining whether railway workers tampered with the automated signalling system, potentially leading to the collision between the express train and a stationary freight train. The CRS, India’s rail safety authority, has not commented on the matter. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also conducting a separate probe into possible criminal negligence.

Residents of Bahanaga village, where the crash occurred, reported frequent malfunctions of the rail-road barrier over the past three months. When the barrier was stuck in the closed position, railway workers manually opened it. However, the automated signalling system prevented trains from passing the railroad crossing when the barrier was open.

Preliminary findings indicate that the signalling system was manually bypassed, requiring tampering with the software. The reasons for the intervention, whether intentional or accidental, are yet to be determined. The suspicion is that workers bypassed the system while attempting to fix the malfunctioning barrier.

India’s railway network, the fourth largest in the world, is undergoing a significant transformation. The crash has raised concerns about the attention given to safety. The government maintains that safety indicators have improved, but the incident highlights the need for further scrutiny. The crash occurred when the Coromandel Express entered a side track at high speed and collided with a stationary freight train, causing extensive damage.

The interlocking system, which coordinates signals, track routes, and occupancy, is crucial for train safety. Railway workers occasionally manually interfere with the system for repair and maintenance work, especially on busy routes. However, this practice requires authorization and adherence to safety protocols.

The investigation is ongoing, and railway employees involved in the barrier repair work have been questioned. The Railway Board has issued a circular emphasizing the importance of following safety procedures while carrying out track maintenance.