Kanchanjunga Express Tragedy: CRS Flags Lapses, Calls for Urgent 'KAVACH' Implementation

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) reported that the Kanchanjunga express accident was 'waiting to happen' due to lapses in train operations management and inadequate counselling of staff. The CRS has urgently recommended implementing the KAVACH automatic train protection system and flagged deficiencies in current protocols and infrastructure.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has deemed the Kanchanjunga Express accident as an 'accident-in-waiting' due to multiple operational lapses and poor supervisory mechanisms.

Investigations revealed that lapses in issuing proper authority led to the tragic collision that claimed ten lives. Crucially, the KAVACH system has been recommended for priority implementation to prevent future incidents.

The CRS highlighted systemic issues including inadequate counselling for railway staff, inconsistent adherence to speed norms, and signalling failures that plague automatic signalling zones. The report stresses urgent corrective measures to mitigate risks in railway operations.