Andhra train crash: CRS report implies avoidable accident

17 May 2024 CW Team

Railway safety experts, loco pilot associations, and trade union representatives attributed primary blame for the collision of two trains in the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway, which resulted in 17 fatalities, to senior railway operating officials. They referred to the October 29, 2023, train accident.

According to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) report, it was found that three trains had overrun two defective signals before the accident. It was alleged that senior operating officials had overlooked these signals. The collision occurred when Train No. 08504 (VSKP-RGDA Passenger), travelling at approximately 82 kmph, passed two signals and collided with Train No. 08532 (VSKP-PAS Passenger) travelling on the same line at 16 kmph.

The recently submitted CRS report to the Railway Board primarily held the deceased train driver and assistant driver (both from Train No. 08504) responsible for overshooting the red signal and causing the collision. Secondary responsibility was assigned to the operating department of Waltair Division, including the station masters of Kantakapalli (KPL) and Alamanda (ALM), where the collision occurred.

The CRS report suggested that the accident might have been avoided had existing rules been followed or if divisional operating officials had monitored violations. It was noted that three other trains had also passed defective signals on the same day. Additionally, a previous auto signal failure in the same section was mentioned, with three trains exceeding prescribed speeds in violation of norms.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..