Signalling error led to lapses in Odisha triple train mishap, probe report reveals

The report by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, disclosed in response to questions raised by MP John Brittas in the Rajya Sabha, pointed to lapses in signalling circuit alteration at North Signal Goomty station and during the execution of signalling work for the replacement of the Electric Lifting Barrier.

"The rear-collision was due to the lapses in the signalling-circuit-alteration carried out at the North Signal Goomty (of the station) in the past, and during the execution of the signalling work related to replacement of Electric Lifting Barrier for level crossing gate no. 94 at the Station," the report said.

These errors resulted in a green signal being displayed for the wrong line, leading to a train collision with a stationary goods train, the report explained.

The report stated that these issues demonstrate "glaring lapses and negligence" on the part of railway authorities.

Forty-one passengers from one of the worst rail disasters in India in the past two decades have still not been identified, the government also revealed.

Earlier this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested three Indian Railways employees, Arun Kumar Mahanta, Mohammed Amir Khan and Pappu Kumar, in relation to the accident.

They were charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence.

The accused are currently in judicial custody after their Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remand period ended on July 15. The next hearing is set for July 27.

The three trains involved in the accident near Balasore were the Kolkata-Chennai Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train.