Chennai Collision: Signal Glitch Echoes Balasore Tragedy

A passenger train collided with a freight train near Chennai, echoing a previous incident in Balasore. The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express received a green signal but entered an occupied loop line, suggesting a signalling issue. Investigations are underway to determine the cause.

A passenger train collided with a stationary freight train near Chennai, raising concerns over a repeating pattern from a previous incident in Balasore. The collision occurred when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express received a green signal for the main line but diverted to a loop line occupied by the freight train.

The crash at Kavaraippettai station in Tamil Nadu resulted in injuries to nine passengers. Video evidence from a data logger has been reviewed by senior railway officials, prompting comparisons to the June 2, 2023, Balasore collision involving similar circumstances.

Southern Railway's chief public relations officer stated that multiple investigations have been launched, including one by the commissioner of railway safety who visited the site. Experts suspect a technical glitch with the signalling system, revisiting long-standing concerns over rail track interlocking faults.

(With inputs from agencies.)