A train travelling from Kolkata to Sairang derailed in Assam on November 11, raising concerns about railway safety and maintenance procedures. A six-member investigation team examining the incident has found that a possible failure in the train’s main braking system may have caused the accident.
According to the investigation, an important component of the braking system, known as the BP angle cock, was found closed or isolated in the train’s engine. This may have stopped the main braking system from functioning properly when the crew needed to slow down or stop the train.
On the day of the incident, the train crew reportedly tried to apply the brakes but found that they were not working. However, the crew stated that the braking system was functioning normally when the train began its journey from Guwahati at around 5:30 am. This has raised questions about when and why the BP angle cock was closed.
Before the derailment, the train had stopped at Panbari station because one of its wheels became overheated. The problem was reportedly caused by jammed brake pads. The railway crew attended to the issue and carried out the necessary repairs. After the problem was addressed, the train resumed its journey at 6:46 am.
Later, as the train approached Digaru station, railway officials instructed it to stop on a loop line to allow another train to pass first. However, when the crew attempted to apply the brakes, the system reportedly failed to respond. As a result, the train crossed the stop signal without stopping, eventually derailing and coming to a halt.
Experts investigating the incident have suggested that the crew may have used an alternative braking system during much of the journey. They believe the crew might have switched back to the main braking system as the train approached Digaru, only to discover that it was not functioning.
Another possibility being examined is whether railway staff accidentally closed the BP angle cock while repairing the jammed brakes at Panbari station. If the component was not reopened before the train resumed its journey, the main braking system may have remained isolated. Investigators are looking into whether this could have contributed to the accident.
The incident has raised important questions about railway maintenance, repair procedures and safety checks. It also highlights the need for proper inspections after technical repairs, especially before a train is allowed to continue its journey. The investigation team is examining the available evidence to identify the exact cause of the derailment and determine whether any safety procedures were missed.