On July 18th, 2023, a tragic train accident occurred on the Chandīgarh-Dibrugarh Express in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Twenty-one coaches of the train derailed, resulting in the deaths of 4 passengers and injuries to 25 others. The Railway Safety Commissioner (CRS) is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident....
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Initial findings suggest that the track was weakened by water accumulation, leading to the derailment. A forensic team collected samples of the track and soil for analysis. The Railway authorities have compiled a joint report based on witness accounts and evidence. This report highlights the negligence of the Engineering Department, while another report attributes the accident to improper braking. The report also indicates that the train was traveling at 86 kilometers per hour, significantly exceeding the permitted speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour for the section. The train's engine derailed first, causing further derailment of subsequent coaches. The incident resulted in damage to the track for a distance of 350 meters. A section of the track, approximately 3.07 meters in length, was missing. An initial investigation revealed that the track was not properly secured and had been identified as problematic a day before the accident. While passenger trains were permitted to run at a speed of 15-20 kilometers per hour, no such cautionary order was issued on the day of the accident. Previous safety warnings regarding the track were issued in August 2023 and June 2022, but the necessary repairs were not implemented. The ongoing repair works on the track over the past three years are suspected to be a contributing factor to the accident. The accident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety practices and maintenance standards of the railway system.