Southern Railway Launches Inquiry into Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express Derailment
Southern Railway has initiated an investigation following the derailment of the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express on Friday evening at Kavaraipettai, Chennai. The train collided with a stationary goods train, causing 13 coaches to derail and injuring at least 19 passengers.
A.M. Choudhary, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, is leading the inquiry, targeting various railway staff including the Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot of the Bagmati Express. The inquiry will also involve the motorman of MEMU train 42425, station masters of Kavaraipettai and Ponneri, the Section Controller, and the Section Manager of Kavaraipettai station.
Additional staff summoned include the Traffic Inspector, Senior Section Engineer responsible for maintenance, and others who were present at the accident site. The Southern Railway has instructed all personnel to bring relevant documents to the inquiry, which is being held at their Zonal Headquarters in Chennai.
The incident occurred when the Bagmati Express (Train No. 12578) crashed into a stationary freight train on October 11, leading to the derailment of several coaches and a fire in the parcel van. The train operates between Darbhanga Junction in Bihar and Mysore (Mysuru) in Karnataka.
The Government Railway Police in Korukkupet have registered a case and are investigating a possible sabotage angle, with an NIA team also arriving to assist. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the Central government, urging action to prevent recurring train accidents.
Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh remarked on the unusual circumstances, noting that the train had entered the loop line despite signals indicating the main line. A statutory inspection of the accident site has been conducted by Choudhary and senior officials.
Following the accident, the National Disaster Response Force was deployed for rescue operations. Sources within the Railways indicated that signal failure may have been a factor, stating that the Bagmati Express was cleared to proceed on the main line but entered the loop line at a speed of 75 km/h, colliding with the goods train.
No fatalities have been reported, but injured passengers have been taken to nearby hospitals. Train movement in the affected area has been disrupted, with alternative arrangements being made. This incident bears similarities to the tragic Balasore train accident in Odisha on June 2, 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties.
