Crew deployed without proper route training linked to Ara Junction derailment, officials suspended
The Delhi-bound Sikkim Mahananda Express derailed at Ara Junction after its driver, who had not completed required route learning, overshot a red signal and reversed the train, leading to the suspension of the driver, assistant driver and senior railway officials.
An investigation into the September 7 derailment of the Sikkim Mahananda Express at Ara Junction revealed that the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot had not completed the mandatory route-learning sessions for the Prayagraj-Patna corridor. The crew overshot a red signal and tried to reverse the train, causing it to leave the tracks. This breach occurred despite a Railway Board directive dated August 24, 2026, urging strict penalties for deploying crews without proper route familiarisation after a similar incident in Asansol Division.
Records indicate the pilot received only one learning trip on July 1, 2026, yet was assigned as a regular driver from July 14, 2026, contrary to norms requiring two trips after a six-month gap. The Prayagraj Division is accused of manually overriding the Crew Management System to enable the deployment. As a result, the driver, assistant driver, deputy crew controller and chief loco inspector have been suspended, while senior officials argue the accident was unrelated to learning deficiencies.
Why it matters
It highlights systemic safety lapses in India's rail network and the need for strict enforcement of crew training rules.
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