In a separate incident just three days after the tragic train crash in Balasore, Odisha, a goods train carrying limestone derailed in the Bargarh area of Western Odisha on June 5. The train, operated by a private cement factory, derailed inside the factory premises near Mendhapali. The East Coast Railway clarified that the derailment occurred on a narrow gauge siding maintained by the private company, with no involvement of the Railways.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and only a few coaches were derailed in the incident. Recent mishaps, notably a quadruple train collision in Balasore, have sparked worries about track maintenance, staff shortages, and rail safety.
In a 2022 report on derailments in Indian Railways, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India highlighted a number of issues, including deficiencies in inspections, failure to submit or accept inquiry reports, underutilization of railway funds, declining track renewal funding, and insufficient staffing in safety operations.
The Balasore catastrophe, according to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, was caused by a problem with the electronic interlocking system. Meanwhile, on reconstructed tracks, the first high-speed passenger train, the Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express, travelled through Balasore. The Railway Minister was on the scene and waved to the drivers as the train passed by.
This incident highlights the importance of strengthened safety measures and careful inspections to avoid such mishaps in the future.