Odisha Train Accident: Railways Launches High Level Probe, Says Anti-Collision 'Kavach' Was Not Present On Route

While the cause of the Odisha train accident is not known, sources have indicated a possible signalling failure.

Locals, security personnel and NDRF during the search and rescue operation at the site where Coromandel, Bengaluru-Howrah Express trains derailed last night ( Image Source :PTI )

Following the Coromandel Express tragedy which is suspected to have occurred due to the absence of 'Kavach' anti-collission system on the route, Railways on Saturday initiated a high-level probe into the incident which will be headed by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, South Eastern Circle. Indian Railways spokesperson while talking to news agency PTI said, "AM Chowdhary, CRS, SE Circle, will inquire into the accident." The commissioner of railway safety works falls under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and investigates all such accidents. 

At least 261 people lost their lives and 900 got injured on Friday in the collision of three trains, namely- The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train.

While the cause of the crash is not known, sources have indicated a possible signalling failure. The national transporter said that the anti-train collision system "Kavach" was not available on the route.

Indian Railways Spokesperson Amitabh Sharma while talking to PTI said, "The rescue operation has been completed. Now, we are starting the restoration work. Kavach was not available on this route."

Railways is currently in the process of installing 'Kavach' across its network. One of the functions of Kavach is to alert when a loco pilot jumps a signal (Signal Passed at Danger -- SPAD). SPAD is believed to be the leading cause of collisions. The system can not only alert the loco pilot but also take control of the brakes and then bring the train to a halt automatically when it notices another train on the same line within a prescribed distance.

Following a head-on collision between two freight trains in Uttar Pradesh in February, the railways launched a month-long safety drive to prevent incidents like derailments and loco pilots overshooting signals.

Senior officers from the Railway Board, zonal railways, and divisions were instructed to conduct a "thorough review of the working practises" by visiting various sections, crew lounges, maintenance facilities, work sites, etc. to ensure that the safe operation and maintenance practices advised to prevent accidents or unusual incidents were being followed.