The train accident in Odisha's Balasore that killed at least 275 and injured 1,175 was caused by a change in electronic interlocking, Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday.
“The commissioner of railway safety has investigated the matter and let the investigation report come, but we have identified the cause of the incident and the people responsible for it... It happened due to a change in electronic interlocking,” Vaishnaw told Indian media.
However, Jaya Varma Sinha, a member of the Railway Board's Operation and Business Development team, reported during a press conference on Sunday that the driver of the train - who suffered severe injuries - claimed that the train began to move only after receiving a 'Green' signal. He claimed that he did not jump any signal nor was he speeding.
While West Bengal chief Mamata Banerjee cited the absence of 'Kavach' (Automatic Train Protection) system as the cause of the train accident, Vaishnaw said that the accident has nothing to do with the anti-collision system. Kavach was created to assist Indian Railways in attaining zero accidents by triggering the train's braking system automatically in case the driver fails to maintain the train's speed limitations.
"This is an entirely different issue, it involves point machine, electronic interlocking. The change that occurred during electronic interlocking happened due to it. Whoever did it and how it happened will be found out after a proper investigation," Vaishnaw added.
The accident occurred on Friday night and involved three trains: two passenger trains - the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and the Coromandel Express - and a goods train. It occurred on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. The Coromandel Express derailed and hit the freight train, which was not derailed due to the heavy iron ore it was carrying. The second passenger train was crossing on the other side at the time, its last carriages were hit by Coromandel Express and pushed off track.
What Does 'Change in Electronic Interlocking' Mean?
The interlocking system in railways is a safety mechanism that prevents conflicting movements between trains by controlling signals and tracks.
The smooth and secure function of train movements across railway junctions, stations, and signaling points is accomplished through an electronic interlocking mechanism that combines signals, points, and track circuits.
The interlocking system is a safety measure that guarantees the points are aligned and securely locked in their proper position before any train crosses over them. These points permit trains to change tracks, and by ensuring they are properly positioned, the system eliminates the possibility of derailments or accidents.
Track circuits, which detect the presence of a train and determine whether a section of track is occupied or vacant, enable the interlocking system to control the train movements.
Meanwhile, restoration work is underway at the crash site and at least two lines are expected to be operational by 8 pm on Sunday, the officials said.