Lapses and Recommendations in the Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident Probe

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) investigation into the Kanchanjunga Express train accident in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district has revealed multiple lapses that contributed to the tragic incident. The report highlighted significant signaling failures in automatic signaling zones, noting that these failures were inadequately managed and supervised. One of the critical findings was the issuance of incorrect paper authority (T/A 912) to the goods train’s loco pilot, which failed to specify the required speed when crossing defective signals. This ambiguity led to varying interpretations among loco pilots, contributing to unsafe operational practices.

Furthermore, the CRS categorized the accident under “Error in Train Working,” emphasizing the lack of proper counseling for loco pilots and station masters regarding operations in automatic signaling territories. The report underscored that out of 208 Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) incidents reported from April 2019 to March 2024, 12 resulted in collisions, reflecting inadequate preventive measures by the railways. It strongly recommended the urgent implementation of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, such as KAVACH, to enhance safety measures across Indian Railways.

Additionally, the CRS criticized the shortage of critical safety equipment like walkie-talkies in the Northeast Frontier Railway Zone, where the accident occurred. It highlighted deficiencies in the response to signaling failures, noting that the control office was inadequately staffed during the critical period before the accident. The report recommended stricter adherence to automatic signaling rules and called for improved training and oversight mechanisms to prevent future accidents.