Tragedy Strikes: Howrah-Mumbai Train Derailment in Jharkhand
In the early hours of July 30, 2024, a significant train derailment occurred near Chakradharpur in Jharkhand, involving the Howrah-CSMT Express. This unfortunate incident led to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 20 others. The derailment happened around 3:45 a.m., prompting immediate action from Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) teams and Additional Divisional Railway Managers.
The derailment involved 18 coaches of the train, leaving a scene of chaos and destruction. Rescue operations were quickly initiated, with emergency responders and railway officials arriving at the site to assist the injured and begin the daunting task of clearing the wreckage. Passengers were transshipped to Chakradharpur station, and a rescue train was deployed to facilitate the process.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of rail accidents in India, raising serious concerns about the safety and maintenance of the railway infrastructure. Susmita Dev, a TMC RS MP, highlighted the increase in rail accidents over the past decade, questioning the government’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety. She pointed to the BJP’s tenure, during which these accidents have allegedly become more frequent.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore also criticized Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating that he would be remembered not for his role in the development of the railways but for the numerous accidents occurring under his watch. Tagore demanded accountability and urged the minister to take responsibility for the recurring mishaps. Similarly, Ujjwal Raman Singh, another Congress leader, emphasized the need for the Railway Minister’s resignation, citing the rising number of accidents as a sign of neglect.
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her dismay at the lack of accountability within the Railway Ministry, accusing the minister of being preoccupied with election campaigns instead of focusing on railway safety. She called for a thorough investigation and appropriate actions to prevent future incidents.
Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party MP, criticized the central government for its failure to address the safety issues plaguing the railways. He accused the government of being more focused on setting records than ensuring the safety of its citizens. The Congress party also took a swipe at the Railway Minister, labeling him the “Fail Minister” and pointing out a series of accidents under his administration.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. The JMM, Jharkhand’s ruling party, criticized the central government and urged the Railway Minister to focus on his responsibilities rather than public relations activities.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, also condemned the central government, questioning its governance in light of the frequent accidents. She highlighted the recurring nature of these tragedies, urging for immediate measures to improve railway safety.
In response to the derailment, several trains were canceled or had their routes altered. The cancellation list included the Howrah-Titlagarh-Kantabanji Express, Kharagpur-Jhargram-Dhanbad Express, Howrah-Barbil-Howrah Jan Shatabdi Express, Tatanagar-Itwari Express, and Shalimar-LTT Express. Other trains faced short termination or origination, such as the Bilaspur-Tatanagar Express and the Ernakulam-Tatanagar Express.
The CPRO South Eastern Railway confirmed the details of the accident, noting that 80% of the passengers were transshipped to Chakradharpur station. The derailment left a significant impact, not only on those directly affected but also on the broader conversation about railway safety in India. The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and accountability within the railway system to prevent such tragedies in the future.