• UGI USER
  • Jun 18, 2024
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NINE KILLED IN RAIL ACCIDENT IN BENGAL

Why in the news?

A goods train collided with the stationary Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express between Rangapani and Chattar Hat stations in Darjeeling district.

 Source-TH
About Kavach system-

  • Kavach is an advanced anti-collision device used in Indian Railways to enhance safety by preventing collisions between trains.
  • Technology and Functionality: Kavach operates using GPS (Global Positioning System) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technologies. It continuously monitors the positions of trains and alerts the locomotive pilot about potential collisions or unsafe distances between trains.
  • Features and Alerts: The system provides real-time alerts to train drivers through visual and auditory signals in case of any impending collision risk. These alerts are crucial for prompt action to avoid accidents.

About the News:

  • Casualties: Nine people were killed, including two railway crew members, with nine grievously injured and 32 sustaining minor injuries.
  • Location and Time: The accident occurred about 10 km from New Jalpaiguri station in the Katihar division at 8:55 a.m.
  • Cause: The goods train hit the express train from behind at high speed; the loco pilot was authorized to cross all red signals due to a defective automatic signaling system, but exceeded the speed limit for such conditions.
  • Impact: Four express train coaches and five goods train wagons derailed; rescue efforts took hours to extricate trapped passengers.
  • Aftermath: The unaffected coaches of the express train continued to Sealdah.
  • Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha indicated the collision was due to disregarding the signal and confirmed the death of the goods train’s loco pilot and the express train’s guard.