Utkal Express derailment: Probe team to look into ‘viral’ audio clip

Preliminary probe into Saturday’s derailment of Haridwar bound Puri-Haridwar Kalinga-Utkal Express train near Khatauli railway station in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, indicated “negligence” on the part of the local railway officials responsible for track maintenance.

The railways on Sunday said it has distributed Rs 25 lakh so far as ex-gratia to the victims and the kin of the dead in the Utkal Express accident.

The accident resulted in the death of 22 people and injuries to over 150 others, 26 of whom are in critical condition.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said, “Have instructed Chairman Railway Board, Member Traffic to oversee rescue and relief operations”. According to reports, the train was scheduled to travel to Bihar’s Kishanganj, carrying soil for the flood-affected region.

Earlier on Sunday, people living near the site of the accident claimed that maintenance work was going on in the area just before the train got derailed.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also rushed forces to join the rescue operation. Notwithstanding the railways’ attempts to upgrade the safety apparatus, many such accidents continue to occur.

The Northern Railways further stated, “The general public is invited to tender evidence at the inquiry and also send information relating to the accident to the Commissioner of Railway Safety”.

“As per the directions of the railway minister, strict action will be taken against those found guilty prima facie”, he said. “This clearly indicates the need for urgent overhaul of the tracks, which have gone through wear and tear over the years, since being laid”, a senior Indian Railways official said.

Railway department has issued helpline no 9760534054/5101 for emergency contact.

“The train had 23 coaches out of which 13 had derailed”.

A senior Uttar Pradesh official said 156 people were injured in the derailment. The question, however, is whether we need these speeds when we can’t provide basic safety in the infrastructure of rail lines and communications systems that are ageing.

Surjewala said: “Reports suggested a massive miscommunication led to derailment of at least 14 coaches”. A train is expected to run at 10-15 kmph when fix work is on, but the driver was unaware of any speed restrictions. “Red flags are also shown to trains in case there is a problem on the tracks”, he said.