Train Incident in Great Chhattisgarh
Raipur: A Startling Incident
On a quiet Sunday morning on the outskirts of Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, an unexpected and alarming event occurred, leading to injuries and disruptions. At approximately 10 am, the Shalimar-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) Express was struck by the head of a large drilling machine, causing injuries to three individuals and sparking an immediate response from railway officials and emergency services.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place as the Shalimar-LTT Express was passing through the Urkura railway station, just before it reached Raipur station. According to a railway public relations officer (PRO), the drill machine’s head, known as a reamer, collided with the train, initially leading to confusion about the nature of the object involved.
Early reports suggested that a pole had fallen onto the train, but further investigation revealed that it was the reamer of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine. This piece of equipment, used by the state-run Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), was being operated near the tracks without the knowledge or coordination of the railway authorities. As the train approached, the reamer, being pulled out of the ground, unexpectedly emerged and struck the moving train.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
Upon reaching Raipur station, railway personnel, including medical staff, quickly attended to the injured passengers. The injured included Devari Dhivar, a 30-year-old passenger, and Narayan Chandra Bag, a sanitation worker on the train. Both were promptly taken to a private hospital for further treatment. Another injured passenger, 12-year-old Somil Mandal, received first aid at the station before continuing his journey to Mumbai with his family on another train.
The severity of the incident prompted a swift response from senior railway officials. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Raipur division, Sanjeev Kumar, along with other officials, arrived at Raipur station to assess the situation. The DRM also visited the hospital to speak with the families of the injured and ensure they received the best possible medical care.
Financial and Legal Actions
To provide immediate support, Assistant Commercial Manager Avinash Kumar Anand presented a cheque of ₹ 50,000 as ex gratia to Devari Dhivar. Meanwhile, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) registered a case in connection with the incident, marking the beginning of a formal investigation.
Investigation and Findings
Further investigation clarified that the drilling machine, which appeared like a pole, was in fact a reamer from the HDD machine. The drilling operations were being carried out beneath the railway tracks by CSPDCL’s contractor. This work was done without informing the railway authorities, which was a significant lapse in safety protocol.
The reamer’s collision with the train caused damage to three air-conditioned coaches (B4, B5, and B6), scraping window panes and leaving scratches on the train’s exterior. The contractor’s failure to adhere to safety standards was acknowledged by CSPDCL officials who visited the accident site.
Official Inquiry and Future Measures
In light of the incident, the railway authorities ordered a senior administrative grade (SAG) level inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the collision. The probe aims to identify those responsible and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The train, after the initial chaos and necessary checks, continued its journey towards Mumbai around noon. The incident, while unfortunate, highlighted the importance of stringent safety protocols and effective communication between different entities working near railway tracks.
Conclusion
The collision of a drilling machine’s head with the Shalimar-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express near Raipur serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards in railway operations and the critical need for meticulous safety measures. The prompt response by railway officials, medical personnel, and the subsequent investigation underscore the commitment to passenger safety and the swift handling of emergencies. The ongoing inquiry will hopefully lead to enhanced safety protocols and better coordination between railway authorities and external contractors, ensuring such incidents are avoided in the future.