On the early morning of July 30, 2024, the Howrah-CSMT Express, a prominent train service in India, was involved in a devastating derailment near Chakradharpur in Jharkhand. Occurring at approximately 3:45 a.m., the incident tragically claimed two lives and left around twenty passengers injured. This event underscores a growing and alarming trend in railway safety issues across India, which has sparked significant political debate and scrutiny.

Details of the Derailment

The derailment of the Howrah-CSMT Express has drawn attention to the ongoing safety concerns within India’s railway system. The immediate response to the incident involved the deployment of Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) and staff from the Chakradharpur Railway Station. These teams worked quickly to manage the aftermath, providing medical aid and attempting to stabilize the situation.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

The tragic event has elicited strong reactions from various political leaders, reflecting broader concerns about railway safety under the current administration.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Criticism:

Susmita Dev, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has voiced serious concerns regarding the increase in railway accidents over the past decade. Dev’s critique focuses on the period under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule, questioning why such accidents continue to rise despite claims of progress and development by the government. Her comments highlight a perceived failure to address fundamental safety issues effectively.

Congress's Harsh Assessment:

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has been particularly vocal, labeling Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as the "Minister of Railway Accidents." Tagore’s criticism is directed at the frequent railway mishaps and the minister's inability to prevent them despite repeated assurances. Congress has also provided data on recent train accidents, arguing that the frequency of such incidents suggests a severe lapse in safety management.

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Shiv Sena's Call for Accountability:

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has described the recurring train accidents as "shameful," criticizing the government for failing to take effective action. Chaturvedi has highlighted the Railway Minister's preoccupation with political campaigns over addressing urgent safety concerns, calling for immediate accountability and action.

Samajwadi Party's Critique:

Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, has also criticized the central government, suggesting that its focus on making records in various fields does not translate into effective safety measures. Yadav’s remarks reflect frustration with the government's inability to address the root causes of the increasing number of railway accidents.

Recent Trends in Railway Accidents

The derailment in Jharkhand is part of a troubling trend of increasing railway accidents in India. A series of recent incidents have drawn attention to the pressing need for enhanced safety measures:

July 18, 2024: The Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express faced a serious accident in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in four deaths and thirty-one injuries.

July 19, 2024: A goods train derailed in Valsad, Gujarat, highlighting issues in freight train safety.

July 20, 2024: Twelve wagons of a freight train derailed in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh.

July 21, 2024: Multiple derailments involving goods trains occurred in Alwar, Rajasthan, and Ranaghat, West Bengal.

July 26, 2024: A goods train derailed at Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Orissa.

July 29, 2024: The Bihar Sampark Kranti Express was detached from other coaches in Samastipur, Bihar.

Analyzing Railway Safety Measures

The recurring nature of these accidents brings to light significant concerns about the current safety measures in place. Despite substantial investments and modernization efforts, the persistent safety issues suggest that more needs to be done. The government's approach to handling railway safety, including infrastructure maintenance and emergency response protocols, must be critically assessed and improved.

Conclusion

The derailment of the Howrah-CSMT Express is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring railway safety in India. The incident has sparked widespread political criticism and highlighted the urgent need for effective safety measures. As India continues to advance its railway infrastructure, addressing these safety concerns and ensuring robust preventive measures is essential for protecting passengers and restoring confidence in the railway system.

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