Human error, wrong signalling led to Odisha train accident: Report

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 04, 2023: A high-level inquiry found human error and wrong signalling as the main reason for the Balasore train accident. It flagged "lapses at multiple levels" in the signalling and telecommunication (S&T) department. The report also indicated that the tragedy could have been averted if past red flags were reported.

 

The independent inquiry report submitted by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) to the Railway Board said that the rear-collision was due to the "lapses in the signalling-circuit-alteration" carried out at the north signal ’goomty’ in the past and during the execution of the signalling work related to the replacement of electric lifting barrier for level crossing gate 94 at the station.

It said that a team of field supervisors modified the wiring diagram and failed to replicate it.

The report also said that there was a similar incident on May 16, 2022 at Bankranayabaz station in Khargpur Division of South Eastern Railway, because of wrong wiring and cable fault.

"Had corrective measures been taken, after this incident, to address the issue of wrong wiring, the accident at BNBR would not have taken place," the report said.

The CRS has recommended that a drive should be launched to update the completion of signalling wiring diagrams, other documents and lettering of signalling circuits at site.

The accident on June 2 resulted in the deaths of 292 people and left over 1,000 injured.

Courtesy: India Today