New Delhi: Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday disclosed that the operators of a train involved in a devastating collision, resulting in 14 fatalities, were watching cricket on their mobile phone and missed a crucial signal. The tragic Andhra Pradesh train accident had happened during a World Cup match between India and England.
“The recent Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh train accident transpired due to both the loco-pilot and co-pilot being engrossed in the cricket match,” stated Ashwini Vaishnaw, the railway minister, as reported by the Press Trust of India. Measures are now being implemented to detect and mitigate such distractions, ensuring the full concentration of train drivers and assistants.
With millions of cricket enthusiasts in India fixated on the live broadcast of the World Cup match, railway officials are enforcing stricter protocols. Notably, following an incident where a freight train travelled unmanned for 70 km, resulting in the dismissal of the station master and three other employees due to negligence, according to a report on the Hindustan Times.
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India, boasting one of the world’s largest rail networks, has seen its share of tragedies, including the infamous 1981 Bihar derailment claiming around 800 lives. More recently, in June 2023, a collision involving three trains claimed nearly 300 lives in Odisha state.
India’s railway network, spanning thousands of miles and connecting diverse regions, faces myriad challenges. From overcrowded trains to aging infrastructure, the system grapples with numerous complexities. Yet, the resilience and adaptability of the Indian Railways are evident in its ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade.
Investments in modern stations and electronic signaling systems signify a commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail travel. While tragedies like the Andhra Pradesh collision serve as stark reminders of the risks involved, they also galvanize efforts to bolster safety measures and technological advancements within the railway network.
With Agency Inputs
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