On November 9, the Secunderabad-Shalimar Superfast Express derailed near Howrah, West Bengal. The derailment was a heart-stopping moment for the passengers aboard. Swift emergency response, along with the restricted speed of the train, banned the catastrophic disaster, and this incident has once again highlighted the growing concerns regarding the operational lapses, signaling the issues as well as the systemic failures in the Indian Railways.
The incident unfolded
In the early morning hours of November 9, the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express route from Secunderabad in Telangana to Shalimar in West Bengal faced an unforeseen mishap, and the train was running at the speed of 30 mph, which is significantly lower than its usual pace, as it approached a meshing the point near Howrah. Suddenly, three coaches of the train came off the tracks and caused a loud screech as well as panic among the passengers. The eyewitnesses labelled the moment as chaotic, with the passengers shaken from their seats, children crying as well, and the luggage dipping over. Despite the horror, the controlled speed played a crucial role in avoiding any casualties, a rare incidence in such derailments.
Another day, another
When will the callous Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw take responsibility? The public deserves answers & action.
Shalimar Secunderabad Express train met with an accident near Howrah in West Bengal. 3 coaches have been derailed.#trainaccident#गोपाष्टमी pic.twitter.com/nq6HlmY0Qp
— Lata Agarwal (@_LataAga1) November 9, 2024Furthermore, an on-ground railway staff member mentioned that they felt like the jolt along. At the next moment, they saw three coaches veer off the track, and it was a nightmare for everyone, but they were fortunate that the speed was limited due to the track repairs nearby. Nonetheless, the incident caused significant delays as well as disrupted the morning schedule of several train services in as well as out of the Howrah Station, which is one of India’s busiest railway hubs.
Causes behind the derailment
While the immediate cause of the derailment appears to be an unsettled fault at the interlocking point, the deeper investigation reveals the multiple layers of carelessness as well as the systemic failures. On top of that, the malfunction occurred when the train was crossing the interlocking section. The fault was identified earlier, but it had not been resolved due to miscommunication as well as the lack of adherence to the protocols of the safety. This mechanical glitch led to the coaches being diverted onto a different track while the engine continued along the main line, splitting the train.
Another Normal Day In Indian Railways!
4 Coaches Of Secunderabad-Shalimar Superfast Express Derail Near Howrah in West Bengal.
One more day & One more #TrainAccident… Enough is enough, Resign Railway Minister/Reel Minister/De-railed Minister Ashwini Vaishanaw 😡… pic.twitter.com/804KEJvsxF
— Dipankar Kumar Das (@titu_dipankar) November 9, 2024One of the key issues underlined was the malfunction of Signal Number 10, and the fault itself did not directly cause the derailment. It exposed the crucial oversight in the operational protocol. Nevertheless, the standard procedure mandates that any signal malfunction should be immediately reported by the station master to the Signal and Telecom (S&T) Department. Lastly, this should be followed by updating the failure in the station register as well as issuing the disconnection memo to halt the train movement until the fault is rectified.
Implications of the derailment
The derailment of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express is not an inaccessible incident but the symptom of the broader systemic issues afflicting the Indian Railways, and the protocols of safety designed to protect both the passengers along the employees of the Railway are being frequently bypassed. Nevertheless, the failure to issue the disconnection memo, in this case, is a glaring example of the risks related to procedural shortcuts. On this point, from the last few years, Indian Railways has reported a decline in the number of derailments, but there has been the about rise in the malicious attacks on the infrastructure of the Railway as per the recent reports of the Central Railways.
Furthermore, the Indian Railways has confronted criticism for not investing enough in the upgrades of safety despite handling the traffic of the massive passenger especially during the festive seasons. Recently, the Diwali and the period of chhath puja, the railways managed an unparalleled surge with over six crore passengers travelling across the country. The ability to handle such high volumes showcases the capacity as well as the resilience of the railway system, but it also underlines the potential risks when the procedural acquiescence is compromised, and the recent derailment has armoured the need for strict adherence to the safety measures, especially in the zones of high-traffic.
Broader impact on the Indian railways
The derailment caused significant disruptions to the services of the train across the region, and the several trains arranged to arrive at or depart from the Howrah Station were either delayed or cancelled which affected the thousands of commuters. Nevertheless, the services emergency were quick to respond, along the derailed coaches were re-railed and cleared from the tracks in an hour. However, the broader effect on the network of the Railway was felt for days, with several trains being diverted or rescheduled.
Moving forward, to address the growing worries, the Indian Railways has recently initiated projects like the Amrit Bharat station scheme, which focuses on the advancement of the infrastructure with durable as well as modern components such as the Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels. Additionally, the initiative aims to improve the overall passenger experience along with it also improve the safety of the railway operations. The Southern Railway’s ongoing upgrades at stations like Thanjavur reflect the positive shift towards modernization, but incidents like the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express derailment serve as stark reminders of the gaps that still exist in the system.
Conclusion
In the end, the derailment of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express is the wake-up call for the Indian Railways to reconsider its measures of safety along with the protocols of the operational. While the absence of casualties is the relief, the incident exposed the severe gaps in the system that could have caused a much worse outcome, and the failure of the station master to follow the established procedures is combined with the unresolved faults of the signal it also underlines the need for the thorough review of the current practices.
Moreover, the Indian Railways, with its vast network along with the millions of daily passengers is the lifeline of the nation. Lastly, incidents like the derailment of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express remind us of the delicate balance between operational efficiency and safety as well, and it is also a call to action for all the stakeholders to work together and make sure that the trains not only run on time but also run safely every time.
| Incident Overview | Details |
| Date | November 9 |
| Location | Near Howrah, West Bengal |
| Speed of Train | 30 km |
| Coaches Derailed | 3 |
| Casualties | None |
| Primary Cause | Signal and procedural failures |
| Impact on Services | Delays, Cancellations, Diversions |
FAQ
What was the date and location of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express derailment incident?
The incident occurred on November 9, near Howrah, West Bengal, causing severe train disruptions.
How many coaches of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express derailed near Howrah Station in West Bengal?
Three coaches of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express derailed, causing panic but fortunately no casualties.
What speed was the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express traveling when the derailment occurred?
The train was traveling at a speed of 30 kmph due to nearby track repairs.
What was identified as the primary cause of the derailment incident near Howrah, West Bengal?
The primary cause was procedural failures and unresolved signal faults at the interlocking section.
Did the derailment of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Express result in any reported casualties?
No casualties were reported, thanks to the train’s reduced speed and emergency response efforts.
How did the derailment affect train services at Howrah Station in West Bengal?
The derailment caused significant delays, cancellations, and diversions, affecting thousands of train commuters.
