On October 29, 2023, two passenger trains collided in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district, killing at least six people and injuring over 20 others. The collision occurred between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger train at Kantakapalli railway station in Vizianagaram district.
According to initial reports, the collision occurred due to a signal overshoot. The Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train was supposed to stop at Kantakapalli railway station, but it overshot the signal and collided with the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger train, which was standing on the adjacent track.
The impact of the collision was so severe that three coaches of the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger train derailed. Rescue operations have been at once released and the injured have been rushed to close by hospitals.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the incident and ordered the officials to take immediate relief measures and provide the best possible medical care to the injured. CM has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs.five lakh to the relations of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to those who were seriously injured.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured
The Railway Ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (South Central Circle) will conduct the inquiry and submit a report within two months.
The collision between the two passenger trains is a major tragedy and has raised serious concerns about the safety of railway travel in India. It is imperative that the Railway Ministry takes all necessary steps to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
Rescue team
The rescue team that responded to the train collision in Vizianagaram district consisted of personnel from the Railways, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The rescue team used specialized equipment to cut through the wreckage of the trains and rescue passengers who were trapped inside.The rescue team also worked to clear the railway tracks so that train services could resume. The rescue operation was completed within a few hours, and all passengers were safely evacuated from the scene of the accident.
The rescue team’s prompt and efficient response to the train collision helped to minimize the loss of life and injuries. The team’s dedication and hard work is commendable.
The Indian Railways has set up a helpline for passengers and their families. The helpline number is 139.
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
Here are some specific steps that the Railway Ministry can take to improve safety:
* Implement a modern train control system that can automatically stop trains if they are approaching a red signal.
* Upgrade the railway infrastructure, including tracks, signals, and locomotives.
* Improve the training of railway personnel, including drivers, signalmen, and track maintenance workers.
* Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of railway assets.
It is also important to raise awareness about railway safety among passengers. Passengers should be informed about the safety rules and regulations and encouraged to report any safety concerns to the railway authorities.