Following the recent train collision in Tamil Nadu, the Railway Board launched a 15-day nationwide safety drive on October 23 to inspect interlocking points and crossings. All railway zones and divisions have been instructed to focus on derailments at these intersections over the past three years and analyze potential issues.

The safety campaign comes nearly two weeks after a passenger train collided with a stationary freight train near Chennai. Preliminary findings suggest either sabotage of the interlocking system or a mechanical defect could have contributed to the accident.

The Railway Board's directive requires officials to assess whether interlocking points need frequent maintenance, monitor their behavior under train wheels, and ensure the availability of essential components. The board has also mandated sample audits of new tongue rails, inspections of switches, and the participation of headquarters personnel in the drive.

Each railway zone is required to send daily progress reports to the board’s Safety Control department. Principal chief safety officers have been asked to analyze shortcomings, identify systemic deficiencies, and submit a final report to the board by November 13.

This initiative marks a unique approach, as safety officials are now required to observe the real-time behavior of interlocking points under train operations. Experts believe the recent accident may have involved a signal mismatch that directed the train to a loop line, where it collided with the stationary freight train.

The Indian Railway S&T Maintainers’ Union (IRSTMU) welcomed the safety drive, calling for such inspections to become routine. "This initiative will improve critical aspects of signal, telecommunications, and engineering departments," said IRSTMU General Secretary Alok Chandra Prakash. He highlighted concerns about inadequate maintenance time and coordination issues between operational and maintenance staff, which often lead to conflicts.

The October 11 collision involving the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express at Kavaraipettai station prompted multiple investigations. While an expert committee hinted at possible sabotage, a joint report from seven railway officials pointed to derailment at the interlocking point, which may have caused the passenger train to strike the freight train on the loop line.

A railway safety official remarked, "While probes are ongoing to determine the cause—whether sabotage or system failure—the Railway Board’s proactive initiative will help prevent similar incidents by identifying and addressing potential issues in the interlocking and signaling systems."

(ET)