Chandigarh Dibrugarh Express Train Derails, Kharge Demands Immediate Installation of Kavach Anti-Collision System

Image Source : @kharge

Dated 18th July 2024

By B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

New Delhi | In a recent social media post, Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, expressed his deep concern over the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh. Kharge accused the Modi government of systematically jeopardizing rail safety and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and his thoughts and prayers for the injured.

Kharge pointed out that this incident is not an isolated one, referring to another accident a month ago where 11 people lost their lives when a goods train collided with the Sealdah-Agartala Kanchanjunga Express. He highlighted the statement of the Commissioner of Railway Safety, who noted that the recent accident was “waiting to happen.”

According to Kharge, the probe report cited several reasons for the collision, including the failure of automatic signals, lapses in managing operations and the non-availability of critical safety equipment such as walkie-talkies for the loco pilot and train manager. Kharge emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Railway Minister, who often engage in self-publicity, must take direct responsibility for these massive lapses in the Indian Railways.

Kharge concluded his statement with a single demand: the immediate and expeditious installation of the Kavach anti-collision system on all railway routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent future accidents.