In a groundbreaking statement, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the tragic train accident that resulted in the loss of 275 lives. Speaking exclusively to state-owned broadcaster Doordarshan at the site of the incident, Vaishnaw provided unique insights into the investigation.
Vaishnaw revealed that the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) had swiftly taken charge of the situation, gathering statements from all individuals involved. As a result, the root cause of the accident and the individuals responsible for it have been identified. The inquiry report prepared by the CRS is expected to be released soon, shedding light on the precise details surrounding the tragedy.
When asked about the potential reasons behind the accident, whether it was due to technical or human error, or potentially caused by anti-social elements, Vaishnaw refrained from commenting. He emphasized the importance of allowing the independent agency, CRS, to submit its report before drawing any conclusions. Nonetheless, he confirmed that the investigation had concluded.
Contrary to statements made by Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister and former Railway Minister, Vaishnaw clarified that the accident was not related to the collision avoidance system. Instead, he hinted at a significant alteration in the configuration of the track’s point machine, the fundamental component that enables the smooth operation of trains. The precise nature of this change and its impact on the accident will only be addressed once the independent agency’s report is made available.
Overall, Minister Vaishnaw’s remarks provide a unique perspective on the ongoing investigation into the train accident, assuring the public that the root cause has been identified and those responsible will be held accountable. The forthcoming report from the Commissioner of Railway Safety is eagerly awaited, as it promises to shed more light on this unfortunate incident.
