Loopline Change, Similar to Balasore Tragedy, Led to Mysuru-Darbhanga Train Accident

Chennai: In a tragic incident that mirrors the Balasore train disaster, the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai in Tamil Nadu, reportedly due to a loop line change. The mishap occurred late at night, leaving several passengers injured and raising questions about safety measures in place for such operations. Initial reports suggest that signal mismanagement led to the train being diverted onto the loop line, resulting in the collision.   

For the unversed, six coaches derailed however, there were no casualties. A medical relief van and a rescue team had departed from Chennai Central. Though police said a fire broke out quickly near a coach, railway officials did not confirm it. 

Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Train Accident

The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express (Train No. 12578) collided with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai Railway Station around 8:30 PM. The express train, equipped with LHB coaches, had passed Ponneri station at 8:27 PM and was given a green signal to run through the mainline at Kavarapettai. However, upon entering the station, the train experienced a heavy jerk and unexpectedly veered into the loop line at a speed of 75 km/h, crashing into the goods train parked there.

Fortunately, the train crew survived the impact, but a parcel van adjacent to the engine caught fire, which was quickly extinguished by the fire brigade. The derailment caused severe damage, with 12-13 coaches derailing, though no fatalities have been reported. Several passengers sustained injuries and were promptly moved to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The accident has resulted in the closure of both UP and DOWN train movement along the affected route. Rescue teams, including doctors, ambulances, a medical relief van, and senior railway officers, are at the scene to assist with recovery efforts. Passengers have either been rescued or transported to hospitals as needed, and alternative arrangements are being made for those stranded.

Helpline numbers have been issued for those seeking information: 044-25330952, 044-25330953. 

What Led to the Balasore Train Accident? 

Similarly, in a train accident that occurred in Balasore, Odisha , on June 2, 2023, the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express mistakenly entered the loop line instead of staying on the main line. This diversion happened just minutes before the accident near the Bahanaga Bazar station. On the loop line, a goods train was stationary, and the Coromandel Express collided with it at high speed. This initial impact led to a massive derailment, which caused further collisions with the Howrah-bound Yeshwantpur Express, which was traveling on an adjacent track.

The error stemmed from a signalling failure, where the system incorrectly showed a green signal for the main line, even though the point was set for the loop line. This accident resulted in the deaths of at least 296 people and injuries to over a thousand,

What is Loop Line?

A loop line in Indian Railways is a secondary track that runs parallel to the main line at a station or junction. It is primarily used to accommodate trains for overtaking, crossing, or allowing faster trains to pass slower or stationary ones. Loop lines help in managing train traffic, especially at busy stations or junctions.

Here are the main purposes of loop lines:

Overtaking: Faster trains can overtake slower ones by temporarily moving the slower train onto the loop line.
Crossing: When trains are coming from opposite directions on a single line, one train moves to the loop line to allow the other to pass.
Stopping or Waiting: Trains waiting for signals, loadings, or other trains can be moved to the loop line to avoid congestion on the main track.