Table of Contents
Main Causes Of Train Accidents in Odisha
1. Human Error:
Initial investigation reveals human error as the main cause. The driver of the Coromandel Express train took the wrong track, resulting in the collision with the goods train and the Howrah Superfast Express train.
2. Aging Infrastructure:
The Indian railway network, one of the world’s oldest and most extensive, has aging infrastructure requiring repair. The condition of the tracks may have contributed to the accident.
3. Lack of Safety Measures:
The Indian railway network lacks certain safety measures present in other countries. The absence of an automatic train protection system could have prevented the accident.
Other Contributing Factors:
- Overcrowding: The involved trains were overcrowded, hindering passenger evacuation during the accident.
- Poor Weather Conditions: The accident occurred at night amidst heavy rain and fog, which compromised visibility and the safe operation of trains.
Importance of Safety Improvements:
The tragic accident underscores the need for enhanced railway safety measures in India. The government must prioritize:
- Investing in New Infrastructure: Allocating resources to improve and modernize the railway infrastructure.
- Implementing New Safety Measures: Introducing additional safety measures, including an automatic train protection system.
- Enforcing Existing Safety Regulations: Ensuring compliance with existing safety regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future