New Delhi: The recent collision between the goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express near Ranipatra Railway Station in West Bengal has brought to light startling revelations from internal documents. According to railway sources, the goods train involved was permitted to proceed past all red signals due to a malfunction in the automatic signalling system.

The crucial document in question, known as TA 912, was issued by the station master of Ranipatra. It explicitly authorized the driver of the goods train to disregard any signals showing red or caution (yellow or double yellow) between Ranipatra (RNI) and Chattar Hat Junction (CAT).

"Automatic Signalling has failed and you are hereby authorized to pass all automatic signals between RNI and CAT," the document stipulates, as per the railway source.

The source elaborated that TA 912 is typically issued when the automatic signalling system malfunctions and ensures that the driver can proceed safely through the affected section. However, questions arise over why the station master issued such authorization, considering the presence of the Kanchanjunga Express on the same line.

The malfunction in the signalling system was reported from early morning on Monday, affecting the section between RNI and CAT. It coincided with the departure of Train No. 13174, the Sealdah-Kanchanjunga Express, which came to a halt between the stations due to reasons yet to be determined.

An official from the railway explained, "When automatic signalling fails, the station master resorts to issuing TA 912 to authorize train movement. Unfortunately, in this instance, both the goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express were in the same section under different assumptions."

The collision occurred at 8:55 am when the goods train (GFCJ), departing Rangapani at 8:42 am, collided with the stationary Kanchanjunga Express, resulting in significant damage to several coaches.

Initial statements from the Railway Board attributed the incident to the goods train's disregard of signals, which resulted in casualties and injuries among passengers.

However, the Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation (IRLRO) contested this assertion. "It is now evident from the document that the goods train's driver was authorized to cross red signals due to the signalling failure. This points to a failure in railway administration rather than the driver's fault," remarked Sanjay Pandhi, the organisation's working president.

Pandhi expressed strong objection to blaming the deceased goods train driver, especially with a comprehensive inquiry still pending.

With PTI inputs