AlannahHudspeth at 15:03, 4 May 2026

2026-05-04T15:03:53Z

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{{Short description|Railway accident in West Bengal, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2024}}{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox public transit accident
| name = West Bengal train collision
| image =
| caption = Express
| pushpin_map = India
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Crash location on a map of India
| coordinates = {{coord|26.66|88.38}}
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 9
| image_map_caption = Location of collision
| date = {{Start date|2024|06|17|df=y}}
| time = around 9:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| location = Near [[Rangapani railway station]], [[Darjeeling district]], [[West Bengal]]
| location_dir =
| location_city =
| location_dist_km =
| location_dist_mi =
| country = India
| line = [[Katihar–Siliguri line]]
| operator = [[Indian Railways]]
| owner = [[Government of India]]
| service =
| type = [[Train collision|Rear-End Collision]], [[derailment]]
| cause = Under investigation

| trains = 2 trains
* A [[freight train|goods train]] carrying containers (Train No. GFCJ)
* [[Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express|Kanchanjunga Express]] (Passenger Train No. 13174) between [[Agartala railway station|Agartala]] and [[Sealdah railway station|Sealdah]]
| vehicles = [[WAG-9]] and [[WAP-7]] locomotive
| deaths = 11<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bengal-train-mishap-death-toll-rises-to-11-child-succumbs-to-injuries|title=Bengal train mishap: Death toll rises to 11, child succumbs to injuries|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|work=News Minute}}</ref>
| passengers =
| crew =
| injuries = 60+
| footnotes =
}}

On 17 June 2024, two [[trains collide]]d in [[Darjeeling district]] in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[West Bengal]]. A goods train collided with [[Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express]], a passenger train near [[Rangapani railway station]]. About 11 people were killed and more than 60 were injured in the accident.

== Crash ==
On 17 June 2024, [[Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express|Kanchanjunga Express]] (Train No. 13174), a passenger train with [[Sealdah]]-based [[WAP-7]] was traveling from [[Agartala railway station|Agartala]] in [[Tripura]] to [[Sealdah railway station|Sealdah]] in [[West Bengal]]. The train had left [[New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station|New Jalpaiguri Junction]], crossed [[Rangapani railway station]], a non-stopping station at 8:27 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] and stopped some distance before the [[Chatterhat railway station]] on the [[Katihar–Siliguri line]], waiting for clearance to proceed further. At 8:45, a goods train carrying containers (Train no: GFCJ) with [[WAG-9]] electric locomotive crossed the Rangapani station and was proceeding on the same line. At 8:55, the goods train rammed the stationary passenger train from behind, causing three coaches of the Kanchenjunga Express to derail.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/kanchanjunga-express-accident-initial-probe-blames-lapses-by-goods-train-crew-jalpaiguri-divisions-operating-department/cid/2028434|title=Kanchanjunga Express accident: Initial probe blames lapses by goods train crew, Jalpaiguri division's operating dept|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=20 June 2024|access-date=20 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kolkata-bound-kanchanjunga-express-hit-goods-train-bengals-siliguri-no-reports-casualties-2554068-2024-06-17|title=9 dead as goods train rams Kanchanjunga Express in Bengal, coach flung into air|work=[[India Today]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617042954/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kolkata-bound-kanchanjunga-express-hit-goods-train-bengals-siliguri-no-reports-casualties-2554068-2024-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanchanjunga-express-collides-with-goods-train-in-west-bengals-darjeeling-rescue-on-5906662|title=9 Dead, 25 Injured After Goods Train Hits Kanchanjunga Express In Bengal|work=[[NDTV]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617045846/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanchanjunga-express-collides-with-goods-train-in-west-bengals-darjeeling-rescue-on-5906662|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Victims ==
Ten people were killed and more than 60 were injured in the collision. The [[train driver|loco pilots]] of the goods train and the train manager of Kanchanjungha Express were amongst those killed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/kanchanjunga-exoress-train-accident-live-updates-bengal-darjeeling-9396945/|title=9 including loco pilot dead in collision; PM announces compensation for victims|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617062019/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/kanchanjunga-exoress-train-accident-live-updates-bengal-darjeeling-9396945/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kolkata-bound-kanchanjunga-express-hit-goods-train-bengals-siliguri-no-reports-casualties-2554068-2024-06-17|title=9 dead as goods train rams Kanchanjunga Express in Bengal, coach flung into air|work=[[India Today]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617042954/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kolkata-bound-kanchanjunga-express-hit-goods-train-bengals-siliguri-no-reports-casualties-2554068-2024-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref> More than 60 people were injured and the injured were treated at [[North Bengal Medical College]] at [[Siliguri]].<ref name="NDTV"/>

== Aftermath ==
The [[Minister of Railways (India)|Railways minister]], [[Ashwini Vaishnaw]] visited the site to oversee the response.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/west-bengal-train-accident-live-updates-sealdah-kanchanjunga-express-collision-latest-news-today-17-june-2024-101718600345471.html|title=Railway minister visits site|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617051949/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/west-bengal-train-accident-live-updates-sealdah-kanchanjunga-express-collision-latest-news-today-17-june-2024-101718600345471.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] announced a compensation of {{INRconvert|10|l}} for the dead, {{INRconvert|2.5|l}} for those seriously injured and {{INRconvert|50|k}} for those with minor injuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/kanchanjungha-express-goods-train-accident-live-updates-dead-injured-collision-newrjalpaiguri-bengal-helpline-number-11718599520428.html|title=West Bengal Train Accident: ₹10 lakh ex-gratia announced|work=Live Mint|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617080653/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/kanchanjungha-express-goods-train-accident-live-updates-dead-injured-collision-newrjalpaiguri-bengal-helpline-number-11718599520428.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Narendra Modi]] announced a compensation of {{INRconvert|2|l}} for the dead and {{INRconvert|50|k}} for the injured from the [[Prime Minister's National Relief Fund]] (PMNRF).<ref name="PM">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/kanchanjunga-express-derailed-pm-modi-offers-condolences-railway-minister-vaishnaw-heads-to-west-bengal/articleshow/111052489.cms?from=mdr|title=PM Modi offers condolences, Railway minister Vaishnaw heads to West Bengal|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618052556/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/kanchanjunga-express-derailed-pm-modi-offers-condolences-railway-minister-vaishnaw-heads-to-west-bengal/articleshow/111052489.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chief Minister of Tripura]] [[Manik Saha]] announced a compensation of {{INRconvert|2|l}} for the victims who were from Tripura.<ref name="NDTV"/>

More than 19 trains were cancelled and 22 train were diverted in the aftermath of the crash.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/19-trains-cancelled-as-kanchanjunga-express-accident-disrupts-service-full-list-101718616036182.html|title=19 trains cancelled as Kanchanjunga Express accident disrupts service|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617100755/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/19-trains-cancelled-as-kanchanjunga-express-accident-disrupts-service-full-list-101718616036182.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rail traffic on the line towards [[Guwahati]] resumed in the evening on the same day and the other line was restored on the morning of 18 June.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/train-services-fully-restored-at-west-bengal-crash-site-where-10-died-5917544|title=Train Services Fully Restored At West Bengal Crash Site Where 10 Died|work=[[NDTV]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618144007/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/train-services-fully-restored-at-west-bengal-crash-site-where-10-died-5917544|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/several-trains-cancelled-diverted-after-kanchenjunga-express-train-mishap-in-west-bengal/article68302556.ece|title=Kanchanjunga Express train accident: 26-km diversion for 22 passenger trains|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618040918/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/several-trains-cancelled-diverted-after-kanchenjunga-express-train-mishap-in-west-bengal/article68302556.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Causes ==
The chairman of the [[Railway Board]] said that the operator of the goods train ignored multiple red signals, which might have caused the crash.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/kanchenjunga-train-mishap-seems-the-goods-train-disregarded-the-signal-prima-facie-human-error/amp_podcast/111056244.cms|title=Seems the goods train disregarded the signal; Prima facie human error|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref> The train operators union criticised the statement as premature.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/what-caused-kanchenjunga-express-crash-railway-board-cites-human-error-ground-info-indicates-signal-glitch/articleshow/111073334.cms|title=What caused Kanchenjunga Express crash? Railway board cites human error, ground info indicates signal glitch|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618052555/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/what-caused-kanchenjunga-express-crash-railway-board-cites-human-error-ground-info-indicates-signal-glitch/articleshow/111073334.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Railway sources said the cause of the incident may have been a faulty automatic signal, which was defective since 5:50 IST.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/kanchanjunga-express-accident-signal-had-been-defective-since-5-50-am-says-a-railway-source/articleshow/111056481.cms?from=mdr|title=Kanchanjunga Express accident: Signal had been defective since 5.50 am, says a railway source|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617114721/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/kanchanjunga-express-accident-signal-had-been-defective-since-5-50-am-says-a-railway-source/articleshow/111056481.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> The trains were not equipped with [[Kavach (train protection system)|Kavach]], a collision avoidance system designed by [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kanchanjungha-express-train-accident-live-updates-goods-train-west-bengal-new-jalpaiguri/article68299231.ece|title=Kavach system not in place on mishap route, says Railway Board Railway sources|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617053847/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kanchanjungha-express-train-accident-live-updates-goods-train-west-bengal-new-jalpaiguri/article68299231.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Preliminary investigation revealed that the trains were issued manual clearances called TA 912 by the station master of the Rangapani station to ignore the faulty signals. The passenger train had traveled some distance from the station and was stationery on the track, awaiting further clearance. In case of a signal failure, Indian railway rules (GS&R 9.02) stipulate that the loco pilots should operate at speeds less than {{cvt|10|kph}}, wait for one minute at each red signal and ensure that the track is visually clear for at least {{cvt|150|m}} before proceeding.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://iritm.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1681379676848-NR%20G%20and%20SR.pdf|title=General and Subsidiary rules|publisher=[[Indian Railways]]|access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref> A T/A 912 clearance is typically granted when there are no other obstructions present along the section and is used to override the stipulated rules. Hence, the manual clearance issued to the goods train placed it on a collision course with the stationary passenger train and excessive speed was also considered as a contributing factor to the eventual accident.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kanchanjunga-accident-locopilot-of-goods-train-had-authority-to-cross-all-signals-in-red/article68300643.ece|title=Kanchanjunga accident: locopilot of goods train had authority to cross all signals in red|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618014222/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kanchanjunga-accident-locopilot-of-goods-train-had-authority-to-cross-all-signals-in-red/article68300643.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TOI" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanchanjunga-express-accident-human-error-or-signal-failure-what-led-to-kanchanjunga-train-accident-5913528|title=Human Error Or Signal Failure: What Led To Kanchanjunga Train Accident|work=[[NDTV]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618041830/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanchanjunga-express-accident-human-error-or-signal-failure-what-led-to-kanchanjunga-train-accident-5913528|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 June 2024 |title=Kanchanjunga accident: Goods driver was cleared to pass red signals, say sources |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kanchanjunga-express-accident-bengal-goods-train-driver-cleared-to-cross-red-signals-2554429-2024-06-17 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=[[India Today]] |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618010036/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kanchanjunga-express-accident-bengal-goods-train-driver-cleared-to-cross-red-signals-2554429-2024-06-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 June 2024, [[East Central Railway zone|East Central Railway]] banned the issuance of T/A 912 until further notice.<ref name="GSR">{{cite news|title=Kanchanjunga Express accident: ECR suspends issuing of T/A 912, directs drivers to maintain caution|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/kanchanjunga-express-accident-ecr-suspends-issuing-of-ta-912-directs-drivers-to-maintain-caution-3076742|date=22 June 2024|access-date=22 June 2024|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[President of India|Indian President]] [[Draupadi Murmu]] said she would pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanchanjungha-express-train-accident-live-updates-kanchanjungha-express-goods-train-collide-in-darjeeling-rescue-ops-on-5906811|title=Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: PM Takes Stock, Rail Minister Reaches On Bike|work=[[NDTV]]|date=18 June 2024|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618013651/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kanchanjungha-express-train-accident-live-updates-kanchanjungha-express-goods-train-collide-in-darjeeling-rescue-ops-on-5906811|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 June, Prime Minister Modi offered his condolences and said that rescue operations were underway.<ref name="PM"/> [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leader [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] offered his condolences and criticised the central government for mismanaging the ministry of railways.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kanchanjunga-express-accident-mallikarjun-kharge-slams-modi-govt-says-utter-mismanagement-of-railway-ministry/articleshow/111056766.cms?from=mdr|title=Kanchanjunga Express accident: Mallikarjun Kharge slams Modi govt, says 'utter mismanagement' of railway ministry|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617101845/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kanchanjunga-express-accident-mallikarjun-kharge-slams-modi-govt-says-utter-mismanagement-of-railway-ministry/articleshow/111056766.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that a thorough investigation would be conducted.<ref name="HT"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/kanchanjunga-express-accident-railways-to-hold-inquiry-into-west-bengal-train-mishap-on-june-19/articleshow/111075542.cms?from=mdr|title=Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Railways to hold inquiry into West Bengal train mishap on June 19|publisher=The Economic Times|access-date=18 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618083954/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/kanchanjunga-express-accident-railways-to-hold-inquiry-into-west-bengal-train-mishap-on-june-19/articleshow/111075542.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> [[West Bengal Chief Minister]] [[Mamata Banerjee]] said that the state is helping with the rescue operations and criticised the central government for not focusing on passenger safety.<ref name="HT">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-bloc-pans-government-over-bengal-train-accident-only-cares-about-elections-101718627365386.html|title=INDIA bloc pans government over Bengal train accident: Only cares about elections|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|date=17 June 2024|access-date=17 June 2024|archive-date=17 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617125339/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-bloc-pans-government-over-bengal-train-accident-only-cares-about-elections-101718627365386.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|India|Trains}}
* [[List of rail accidents (2020–present)]]
* [[List of railway accidents and incidents in India]]
*[[2023 Odisha train collision]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons-inline}}

{{Railway accidents and incidents in 2024}}
{{Disasters in India in 2024}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:West Bengal train collision, 2024}}
[[Category:2024 disasters in India]]
[[Category:2024 in West Bengal|Train collision]]
[[Category:June 2024 in India]]
[[Category:Railway accidents in 2024]]
[[Category:Derailments in India]]
[[Category:Railway accidents and incidents in West Bengal|2024]]
[[Category:Train collisions in India]]
[[Category:Darjeeling district]]

2024 West Bengal train collision - Revision history

AlannahHudspeth at 15:03, 4 May 2026