Odisha Train Collision Sparks Urgent Calls for Railway Safety Enforcement in India

A tragic multiple train collision in India has raised concerns about railway safety and prompted numerous questions. Two express passenger trains and a goods train were involved in the incident, which occurred on Friday evening in the eastern state of Odisha. At least 288 persons were killed and more than 800 were injured in the collision. Initial investigations indicate that signal failure caused the accident.

India has one of the world's most extensive railway networks, serving approximately 25 million commuters daily over a distance of over 100,000 kilometres. The government has been hard at work on infrastructure improvements and expansions to facilitate faster train speeds. Nonetheless, according to a government assessment on railway safety, derailments continue to be a recurrent problem, accounting for 70% of railway accidents in 2019-2020. In addition to train fires and collisions, other significant causes of accidents were railway accidents and collisions.

The report noted that out of 40 derailments during the period, 17 were attributable to track defects and only nine to train-related defects. Changing temperatures cause metal railway tracks to expand and contract, necessitating routine maintenance. However, auditors discovered significant deficiencies spanning from 30 to 100 percent in track inspections. Track maintenance issues and deviations beyond permissible limits were cited as significant causes of derailments.

More than 180 derailments were caused by mechanical issues, including defects in carriages and waggons. Poor driving and excessive pace were also significant contributors to derailments. Despite discussions regarding anti-collision devices, their installation remains restricted to only two significant routes in India, and their effectiveness in the event of derailments or unanticipated collisions remains uncertain.

There was an alarming increase in the number of railway accidents, with 34 recorded in 2021-22 and a predicted increase to 48 in 2022-23. Recent events have highlighted the imperative need for comprehensive measures to ensure rail safety.

As the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragic incident, there is a growing demand for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collision. The emphasis remains on enhancing track maintenance, enhancing inspections, and addressing derailment-causing factors. The government and railway authorities must prioritise safety measures and implement effective solutions to prevent future catastrophes of this magnitude.

The accident has once again emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of India's vast railway network, which is essential for the daily transportation of millions of people.

For more updates keep visiting our website www.topstoriesworld.com where we provide unbiased, true and top stories of the world.