A preliminary probe into the derailment of the Sabarmati-Agra Superfast Express which occurred on March 19, revealed that the loco pilot overshot the red signal, leading to the train's collision with two rear wagons of another freight train. Subsequently, four coaches of the express train derailed near Ajmer Station after the collision. However, no loss of life was reported in the accident.


As per the joint probe report, signed by seven experts, train number 12458, the Sabarmati-Agra Superfast Express which was involved in the accident, departed from Ajmer at 00:50 and was on its way to Agra. However, while approaching towards the Madar station, the driver overshot the red signal after which the collision happened with the freight train, passing through at an intersection.


The derailment of the engine and the train caused a huge disruption in the train operations in both up and down directions for several hours. 


The report stated that though the train's speed at the time of the collision was 50 km per hour, no casualties were reported. It further stated that the loco pilot admitted in his submission that he saw the first signal in double yellow position and the second in single yellow, before entering the Madar station.


The driver added that when he saw the third signal in the red position, he applied an emergency brake, but it was too late as the train had collided with the freight train's rear end by then.


Brake Application Norms


According to experts, a driver must apply brakes when he gets the first signal in the double yellow position as it takes time for a train to stop covering about 500-600 metre distance, given its momentum.


"The first signal in the double yellow position is an indication to the driver that he has to apply the brake as there is an obstruction on the track ahead. In such a situation, the next signal is kept yellow and the third one is red," PTI quoted a retired loco pilot saying.


He further stated that the driver admitted in his version to the joint report committee that he saw the first signal in double yellow, but has not specified why he did not apply the brake when he was supposed to.


Signal Passed At Danger


As per loco pilots, overshooting a red signal occurs when a driver loses focus or indulges in other activities while driving the train. This is also called Signal Passed At Danger or SPAD.


Sometimes drivers also doze off due to fatigue which results in the occurrence of SPAD. In some cases, mental stress or family issues bog the driver's mind, leading them to miss the signals, PTI reported citing an anonymous loco pilot.


"Though the assistant loco pilot’s job is to alert the loco pilot about all these things but sometimes despite that, SPAD happens when drivers go absent-minded," he added. 


The SPAD report of this case suggests that the driver had been living away from his family.