Kanpur train mishap: New bogies would've saved lives

New Delhi: The Indore-Patna Express tragedy near Kanpur could have been caused due to rail fracture, according to sources in the railways.

Casualties also increased due to absence of modern Linke Holfmann Bush (LHB) coaches in the train, railway sources said. Had there been stainless steel LHB coaches, the damage could have been less as these coaches have more in-built safety features which can absorb shock and impact of derailment more effectively and as a result do not topple, they said.

Though Indian Railways has decided to replace all conventional coaches with LHB coaches gradually, the process will take time.

Weather too may have had role
The train tragedy near Kanpur that left 120 dead and 150 others injured, could have been caused due to rail fracture, according to sources in the railways.

Poor track maintenance including lack of proper fittings and ballast on the railway lines causes fracture on the tracks. While a simple crack on track may not be of much concern, a severe fracture causing separation of the track could lead to derailment of trains. According to railway engineering department responsible for track maintenance, extreme weather condition is the primary reason for rail fractures. While the track breaks due to coefficient of linear expansion in summer, the same happens in winter due to contraction.

The accident comes at a time when railways are undertaking a massive brainstorming exercise to generate new innovative ideas to improve rail functioning and making the train journey a pleasant experience.

A senior railway official said lack of maintenance is the major reason for rail fracture and weather condition could aggravate the situation.