West Bengal Train Collision: A tragic accident occurred on June 17, 2024, when a goods train rammed into the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. The collision resulted in the deaths of nine people, including seven passengers and two railway staff, and left 41 others injured.
The collision took place near Rangapani station, approximately 30 kilometres from North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station. The impact caused three rear coaches of the Kanchanjungha Express to derail. The injured were swiftly transported to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital for treatment. According to a statement from the Railway Ministry, nine individuals sustained serious injuries, while 32 others suffered minor injuries.
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, labelling the incident as tragic and extending his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the accident site, assuring a thorough investigation led by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Vaishnaw announced financial compensation for the victims’ families: ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for the grievously injured, and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries.
The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2024
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Railway Ministry, alleging negligence in improving passenger amenities and failing to implement the anti-collision system properly. She accused the Ministry of focusing only on fare hikes rather than safety and maintenance.
Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 17, 2024
Key Updates on the Train Collision
- Rescue Operations Completed: Vaishnaw confirmed that rescue operations were completed and emphasized the priority of restoring train operations on the critical route connecting northeast India with the rest of the country.
- Investigation Underway: The Railway Board revealed that the goods train driver had been authorized to pass red signals due to a failure in the automatic signalling system. Documents indicated that the driver was issued a TA 912 authority letter by the station master, permitting him to cross all signals between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction.
Technical Aspects of the West Bengal Train Collision
The Railways’ anti-train collision system, ‘Kavach,’ was not operational on the Guwahati-Delhi route where the collision occurred. Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha confirmed that plans to install ‘Kavach’ on this route are underway.
The investigation into the exact cause of the accident and the failure of the automatic signalling system continues, with the CRS leading the probe. Measures to prevent such incidents in the future are being considered as part of the investigation’s outcomes.
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