A high-level inquiry committee has suggested major safety changes following a tragic accident in the Karchana area of Prayagraj. The incident on April 15, 2026, resulted in the deaths of five people after passengers disembarked from a halted train. To prevent such occurrences, the railway administration will now deploy escort teams to stop passengers from leaving trains at unsafe locations.
What happened in the Karchana accident?
The tragedy started around 6:15 PM when the Kalka Express (12312) made an emergency stop after a person was hit. Out of curiosity, several passengers from general coaches got off the train and stood near the tracks. About 35 minutes later, the Purushottam Express (12801) arrived on the adjacent track and hit four of these passengers, killing them on the spot. The victims included people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with four belonging to the same family.
What are the new safety recommendations?
The investigation committee submitted its report on April 21, 2026, highlighting lapses by the RPF, GRP, and train staff. The report proposes a new Safety Action Plan to ensure passenger security. Key measures include:
- Escort Teams: Staff will use whistles and warnings to stop passengers from alighting at unauthorized spots.
- Track Fencing: Installing fences along tracks to restrict unauthorized access.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating passengers about the dangers of exiting trains at unsafe locations.
- Staff Accountability: Disciplinary action against negligent personnel.
Official statements and actions
North Central Railway CPRO Shashikant Tripathi urged passengers to strictly follow safety norms and avoid moving on tracks. DCP Yamuna Nagar Vivek Chandra Yadav confirmed the sequence of events leading to the casualties. The RPF has been directed to increase patrolling and penalize those crossing tracks illegally to avoid future tragedies on the Delhi-Howrah route.