CHENNAI: NIA is investigating whether sabotage caused the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express to veer off the main line and collide with a parked goods train Friday night at Kavarapettai station, 40km north of Chennai. The collision injured eight people and overturned 12 coaches.
There were no casualties, as the coupling of the advanced Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches prevents telescoping, and the train was traveling at 90 kmph or less.
“The reason for the accident could be many. A worn-out signal operating panel in the station master’s room or ongoing signal modification work in the area. But sabotage cannot be ruled out and needs to be investigated,” said a railway source.
Officials are investigating how the express train entered the loop line, where the speed limit is only 30 kmph, despite receiving a green signal for the main line. Southern Railway general manager RN Singh confirmed that the driver followed the signals correctly after leaving Chennai. A suburban train heading towards Gummidipoondi had left Kavarapettai station minutes earlier, and Bagmati Express was given a green signal for the main line. Yet, the train inexplicably entered the loop line, resulting in the crash.
Officials are also probing whether tampering with outdoor signalling gear and switch points at Kavarapettai station led to train switching from the main line to a loop line. Sources informed TOI that bolts and brackets at the switch point were found opened and several nuts were missing, raising concerns about sabotage. The accident comes on the heels of a similar tampering attempt reported in Sept at nearby Ponneri station.
The switch point is a crucial mechanism that enables trains to shift from one track to another. Properly functioning signalling equipment is essential to ensure these transitions occur safely, following green or red signals displayed to the train driver. Any malfunction or tampering with these components could lead to trains being diverted onto incorrect tracks, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
On Saturday morning, southern circle commissioner of railway safety AM Chowdhary inspected the accident site, joined by NIA officers.
The inquiry will begin next week, Chowdhary said. More than a dozen officials, including the driver of Bagmati Express, his assistant, and the on-duty station masters of Kavarapettai and Ponneri stations, will be summoned for questioning.
Personnel from CRS and NIA inspected the site, with railway officials confirming that while the route and signal were correctly set for the main line, the train’s diversion to the loop line was “unusual”.