Dr Nishant A. Irudayadason

Professor of Philosophy and Ethics, Jnana-DeepaVidyapeeth, Pune.

On 02 June 2023, a horrific train accident shook the state of Odisha, India, leaving the nation in mourning and shedding light on the pressing issue of railway safety. The derailment of a passenger train in the Balasore district of Odisha claimed the lives of over 290 people and left several others injured. As we extend our condolences to the victims’ families, we must address the immediate need for enhanced safety measures and reject any divisive narratives surrounding this tragic incident. The accident investigation is underway, with initial reports suggesting a possible manual bypassing of an automated signalling system. This highlights significant concerns regarding our railway system’s maintenance and infrastructure standards. The incident serves as a stark reminder to the authorities that the lives of passengers depend on robust safety protocols and the regular upkeep of tracks.

In the aftermath of such a tragedy, it is regrettable that some individuals and groups attempt to exploit the situation for their divisive agendas. It is essential to resist and reject any communal narratives that seek to assign blame or promote prejudice based on religious or ethnic lines. Instead, we must unite as a society and focus on the urgent task: improving railway safety to prevent future disasters.

The authorities must adopt a comprehensive approach to address the safety concerns within the railway system. First and foremost, meticulous maintenance of tracks, signals, and rolling stock should be prioritised. Regular inspections, swift repairs, and the adoption of advanced technologies for track monitoring are imperative to identify and rectify potential faults before they result in accidents. Simultaneously, training programs for railway personnel, including train operators, engineers, and maintenance staff, should be comprehensive and up-to-date. Emphasis should be placed on technical proficiency, adherence to safety protocols, and emergency response preparedness. Investing in the competence and skills of railway employees can ensure safer operations and reduce the risk of accidents.

Modernisingsignalling systems are also critical in enhancing safety. Advanced technologies like the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system can provide real-time information and alerts to train operators and control rooms, enabling swift action during critical situations. Upgrading outdated signalling infrastructure will minimise the chances of human error and significantly improve overall safety. Furthermore, ensuring accountability is paramount in maintaining the integrity of our railway system. A thorough investigation into the causes of the accident should be conducted, with those found responsible for negligence or malpractice held accountable. Transparent and fair measures must be taken to identify any lapses in safety procedures and take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents.

Public awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of safety. Passengers should be educated about emergency protocols, safety precautions, and reporting mechanisms available to them. Encouraging the public to report safety concerns actively will empower the authorities to address potential hazards promptly and effectively. As a society, we must unite after this tragedy and reject any attempts to sow division. Communal narratives only distract us from the urgent need to improve railway safety and prevent future disasters. We must come together as a nation, setting aside religious, ethnic, or communal identities to prioritise the lives of our citizens and work tirelessly towards a safer railway system. As we mourn the lives lost, let us channel our collective energy into constructive efforts to prevent future disasters. We can build a safer and more resilient railway system by prioritising maintenance, upgrading signalling systems, ensuring accountability, raising public awareness, and standing united against divisive narratives.