Once again, the country is mourning another tragic train accident, this time near New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal.
Odisha Train Accident in June 2023 and Darjeeling's Kanchanjunga Express Accident in 2024! June has become a month of tragic memories for India's railway network, marked by devastating collisions that have left deep scars on communities and families across the country.
In June 2023, the nation was stunned by the horrific collision involving the Coromandel Express in Balasore district, Odisha. The high-speed mishap, triggered by a fatal mistake at Bahanaga Bazar station, claimed the lives of 296 people and left over 1,200 others injured. The incident, India's deadliest railway disaster in years, underscored critical safety concerns and highlighted the human toll of infrastructure failures.
Fast forward to June 2024, and once again, the country is mourning another tragic train accident, this time near New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal. The Kanchanjunga Express, bound for Sealdah, derailed after a collision with a goods train in the Rangapani area. Initial reports indicate at least 5 fatalities and around 30 injuries. The incident has reignited debates on railway safety protocols and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
What sets these two June tragedies apart? While both involved collisions and derailments, each incident's circumstances differ significantly. The 2023 Balasore crash was compounded by a series of errors and miscommunications, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction. In contrast, the 2024 New Jalpaiguri incident appears to have been sparked by a collision between trains, raising questions about signal management and operational oversight.
In response to the 2023 disaster, authorities promised sweeping reforms and enhanced safety measures across India's vast railway network. However, the recurrence of another major accident in 2024 underscores the challenges in implementing and enforcing these reforms effectively.
As families mourn their loved ones and survivors struggle with injuries, the question lingers: is June cursed for India's railways, or is it a stark reminder of the persistent vulnerabilities within the system? While investigations into both incidents are ongoing, one thing remains clear: urgent action is needed to prevent such tragedies from recurring and to ensure the safety of millions who rely on Indian trains each day.
(For more news apart from Odisha Train Accident in June 2023 and Darjeeling's Kanchanjunga Express Accident in 2024, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
