Cuddalore Train Accident Highlights Widespread Safety Concerns

Quick Summary

• A train-school van collision near Semmankuppam, Cuddalore, resulted in the tragic death of three students adn injuries to others.
• Southern Railway initially blamed the van driver, claiming he pressured the gateman to open a closed gate. However, survivor Vishwesh stated that the gate was already open with no gateman present.
• According to railway rules, safe passage thru level crossings involves exchanging secret codes between station masters and gatemen; lack of this exchange would prompt caution protocols for approaching trains.
• Speculations include (1) improper actions by the gateman such as conveying a private code without closing the gate or (2) failures leading to procedural lapses.
• Southern Railway has initiated an investigation by senior officers into safety procedures. Additionally, an self-reliant inquiry will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety under IndiaS Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Image Caption: Inquiry announced following train-school van collision | Photo Credit: S. Prasad

Indian Opinion Analysis

The tragic accident highlights critical gaps in safety protocols at level crossings-underscoring systemic concerns within India’s railway operations. The conflicting accounts from Southern Railway and survivors raise broader issues about operational oversight and adherence to established safety norms during interaction between personnel.

Further investigations may shed light on procedural lapses or human errors at multiple levels-station master coordination with gatemen or onsite vigilance practices-which are essential for ensuring public safety at crossings. This incident also emphasizes an urgent need for rigorous compliance checks like ambush inspections mentioned in railway protocol texts but uncertainly implemented here. introducing greater automation or technological solutions could minimize reliance on manual systems prone to error.

Read More: Original Article Source.