Mysuru-Darbhanga train crash: NIA probes possible sabotage | News from Chennai

Chennai: National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing whether sabotage led to the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express deviating from the main line on Friday night and ramming into a goods train that had been parked for three days on a circular line at Kavarapettai station, 40 km north of Chennai. Eight people were injured in the collision that caused 12 coaches to overturn. Railway sources said there were no casualties as the coupling of LBH coaches prevents them from being telescopic and the train was also running at a slower speed of 90 kmph.
“The reasons for the accident could be many: a worn out signal operational panel in the station master’s room or ongoing signal modification work in the area. But sabotage cannot be ruled out and an investigation is required,” a railway source said. .
Railway authorities are investigating how the express train entered the loop line, where the speed limit is only 30 km/h, even though they were given a green signal for the main line. Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh said the driver followed the signals properly after leaving Chennai. A Gummidipoondi-bound suburban train left Kavarapettai station a few minutes earlier, and the Bagmati Express was given a green signal for the main line. Despite this, the train entered the loop line and crashed into the freight train.
South Circle Railway Safety Commissioner AM Chowdhary inspected the accident site on Saturday morning. NIA officers also joined the investigation. A thorough examination of the tracks, points and blocks, signals, electronic station interlocking systems, control panels and other aspects of safety and operation has been carried out. “As of now, we are focusing on the functioning of the interlocking system,” a source said.
Chowdhary said the investigation will begin next week. More than a dozen officials, including the Locomotive Driver and Assistant Locomotive Driver of Bagmati Express, Service Station Masters of Kavaraipettai and Ponneri stations will be summoned.
A senior locomotive driver told TOI, “LHB coaches have a central damping coupling, which minimizes the telescoping effect, preventing one coach from riding another during accidents. Instead, the coaches overturn, reducing the possibilities of death. However, during normal operation of the train, these couplings can cause jerks during braking and acceleration.”
Another reason why casualties were avoided was the permanent speed restrictions on gates and curves. “Trains must run at 90 km/h in these areas. There is a curve just after the station exit, so the locomotive driver probably applied the brakes to slow down. If the train was traveling at 110 or 130 kmph, it could have caused significant loss of life,” said another locomotive pilot.
The design of the guard brake van on the freight train also played a crucial role in preventing fatalities. With an empty space both behind and in front of the cab, its lightweight structure reduced impact, safeguarding the driver and locomotive attendant.
Railways clear the derailed coaches
Railways have cleared the uphill line to Chennai of derailed coaches and coaches. All work is expected to be completed by Saturday night. A total of 10 coaches including 9 AC coaches and an electric car from train no. 12578 Mysuru-Dharbanga Bagmati Express along with 2 wagons of the goods train has been removed by cranes. With the derailed rolling stock cleared, work has begun to restore engineering tracks and aerial equipment.