Odisha train crash: Two reports by Railways give two different versions

New Delhi: Two internal reports and two versions. The first on-the-spot report submitted by five railways officials on the night of the June 2 train accident at Balasore - concludes thus: "Signal was given for UP Main Line for 12841 Coromandel Express, but this train entered the Loop Line and dashed with the Goods train and derailed. In the meantime, 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express passed through on the Down Mainline and two of its coaches were derailed". 

The report also brings out the following aspects: "Although the signal for both the UP and DOWN line was given as per panel indication, the stretcher bar was found to be in such a condition which showed that the point had been set up for the loop line". The UP loop line was found to be partially corroded and partially fresh, according to this report.

What this report hints at is: That this accident was caused because of maintenance errors or because of electromagnetic failure of the control switch panels.

Also read: Odisha train accident: How Indian Railways is negligent to safety needs

The second report — submitted the next morning of the accident — brings out a contrary version. "Two coaches of Train No. 12864 (Bengaluru-Howrah Express) derailed. At the same time, 12841 (Coromandel Express) was passing through UP main line and side collided with the derailed coaches". 

In effect, the second report states that the Coromandel Express continued to run on the main line and did not enter the loop line. It also remains silent on the cause of the accident and makes no hint at the possibility of technical or human error.

The question is this: How is it that the two reports — both prepared by railways officials within hours of the accident - narrate an entirely divergent sequence of events? There is something amiss here.

Also read: Will Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw resign over Odisha train accident? 

The Indian Railways have in past years been increasingly focusing on the "big picture"; pursuing high-value projects including the Vande Bharat rollout, station redevelopment and procurement/manufacture plans of high-powered locomotives and ultra-modern coaches. 

"As a corollary, long-established processes and systems on maintenance schedules and safety parameters have become loose. This is a worrying situation," a senior ministry official conceded.

"Even as more and more Vande Bharat trains are being introduced, the training and skill sets of the rail employees have not kept pace. The public transporter's employee strength has declined over the years and work-related stress has increased among different categories of employees including technicians, station masters and loco pilots," a sector expert said.

The Balasore accident — the deadliest in 20 years — reverts focus on the critical issues concerning rail safety.