A tragic collision between two NTPC-operated goods trains occurred early Tuesday in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district, killing two loco pilots and injuring four others. The accident took place on NTPC-owned tracks near Bhognadih in the Barhait police station area at around 3:30 AM.
One train was stationary when another mistakenly entered the same track, leading to a head-on collision and subsequent fire. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, and NTPC has confirmed that the railway line is privately operated and not under Indian Railways’ jurisdiction.
Fatal Collision on NTPC Tracks
The catastrophic incident involved two coal-laden freight trains operating on NTPC’s Farakka-Lalmatiya Merry-Go-Round (MGR) line, which is vital for transporting coal to power plants in Bihar and West Bengal. The collision resulted in the immediate deaths of both loco pilots, identified as Dnyaneshwar Mal (35) and Ambuj Mahato (35).
In addition to the fatalities, four individuals sustained injuries, including assistant loco pilots GK Nath and Rajendra Kumar, along with two labourers, Ravi Ghosh and Zirul Sheikh. Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Singh confirmed that the injured personnel were promptly transported to a hospital in Malda for medical attention.
Eyewitnesses reported a significant fire erupting from one of the derailed wagons, which was quickly extinguished by firefighting teams dispatched to the scene.
Investigation Underway
Initial investigations suggest that one of the trains was stationary to allow for safe passage when another train erroneously entered the same track, leading to a head-on collision at high speed. Both trains subsequently derailed due to the impact.
NTPC has stated that all operations on this privately-owned railway line are managed internally, including signalling and maintenance protocols.
Eastern Railway spokesperson Kausik Mitra clarified that this incident does not involve Indian Railways, indicating that NTPC is fully responsible for the operational safety of its rail network. Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain any lapses in safety protocols or operational errors that may have contributed to this tragic event.
Safety Protocols and Historical Context
This incident raises significant concerns regarding railway safety standards in India, particularly within private rail networks. Over the years, there have been several railway accidents attributed to inadequate safety measures and operational oversight. Previous recommendations from the Railway Safety Commission have called for stricter regulations governing private rail operations to ensure enhanced safety measures are implemented effectively.
The need for robust communication systems, regular safety audits, and comprehensive training for all personnel involved in railway operations has never been more apparent. This collision serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when safety protocols are not rigorously adhered to.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This devastating accident underscores an urgent need for stringent safety measures on private railway networks to prevent such tragedies from recurring. It is crucial that all stakeholders involved in railway operations—whether public or private—prioritise robust communication systems and strict adherence to operational protocols.
As we reflect on this tragedy, it is imperative to advocate for improved standards that protect not only railway workers but also passengers who rely on these services daily. How can we collectively enhance accountability and safety within private rail operations? What steps should be taken to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again? We invite you to share your thoughts below as we seek constructive dialogue on this pressing issue.
