Sabarmati Express Derailment :

On August 17, 2024, India experienced another major railway tragedy when 20 carriages of the Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

The train, which was travelling between Varanasi and Ahmedabad, derailed at 2:30 a.m. due to an obstacle on the tracks.

According to railway officials, a boulder hit the cattle guard at the front of the engine, causing extensive damage and precipitating the derailment.

Immediate Impact and Response :

Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were reported. The railway authorities rapid response meant that stranded customers received prompt assistance.

Emergency services, including fire trucks and ambulances, were on the scene shortly after the accident. Additionally, buses and an eight-coach MEMU train were deployed to assist passengers in returning to Kanpur, where further arrangements were arranged.​

Possible causes of the accident:

The disaster is believed to have been caused by a huge boulder on the rails, which broke the engine’s cattle guard. Track blockages, whether caused by natural forces such as landslides or man-made interference, are a common cause of these incidents.

Additionally, track maintenance and timely inspections are crucial to assuring railway safety. Despite continual renovations, the Indian Railways frequently struggles to keep up with the enormity of its network and the demands placed on it.

Notable Railway Accidents in Recent Years :

India’s railway network, one of the world’s largest, has experienced multiple terrible accidents in recent years. Many of these accidents show systemic flaws, such as old infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and human mistake.

Odisha Train Tragedy (2023) :

One of the deadliest railway accidents in recent history occurred in June 2023, when the Coromandel Express, the Yeshwantpur Express, and a goods train collided near Balasore, Odisha, killing over 290 people and injuring over 1,000.

The disaster was caused by a signalling malfunction, which collided two passenger trains with a halted goods train. The incident sparked a nationwide call for enhanced railway safety procedures.

Gonda derailment (2022)

In November 2022, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed at Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, killing three people and injuring numerous others. This accident may have been caused by poor track conditions and insufficient routine inspections.

Seemanchal Express derailment (2019)

In February 2019, the Seemanchal Express derailed in Bihar, killing seven people and injuring scores. Initial examinations identified a fracture in the rails, aggravated by the cold temperature, as the primary cause of the derailment.

These fractures frequently go undetected during standard inspections, especially in areas where temperature variations impact track integrity.

Systemic Challenges and Safety Measures

India’s railways carry millions of passengers per day, making it one of the world’s busiest rail networks. Despite continuous modernisation efforts, issues such as ageing infrastructure, track blockages, and inadequate maintenance remain. Accidents such as the Sabarmati Express derailment highlight these problems.

Several measures have been implemented to improve railway safety, including the installation of modern signalling systems and stricter track maintenance schedules. The Indian government is also focussing on high-speed rail networks and increasing inspection frequency, particularly in landslide-prone areas.

Looking ahead: Ensuring passenger safety

While the Sabarmati Express disaster resulted in no casualties, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing safety concerns that afflict Indian Railways. Infrastructure modernisation, timely inspections, and proactive maintenance are critical to guaranteeing the safety of the millions of people that rely on this transportation network.

The Indian Railways response to the derailment was fast, demonstrating the organization’s improvement in crisis management. However, preventing such catastrophes necessitates a combination of technology breakthroughs, human alertness, and a proactive attitude to railway safety throughout the country.

Details in the Articles are collected from trusted Sources you can visit The Hindu for more details.

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