Rayagada Passenger Train Accident: Loco Pilot was Watching Mobile

In a shocking revelation, Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw disclosed on Sunday that the tragic train collision at Kantakapalli Junction in Vizianagaram district on October 29, 2023, was caused by the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot being distracted while watching cricket on their phones. The collision occurred when a Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train slammed the Rayagada train from behind when it was halted at a signal.

The incident claimed the lives of 14 people and left around 50 others injured. When describing further safety measures, Minister Vaishnav highlighted that continuous monitoring of pilot behavior during duty hours had been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the committee’s investigation, Minister Vaishnav confirmed that action had been taken against the Rayagada passenger train’s loco pilot and assistant loco pilot who were responsible for the collision. To avoid such terrible events, the railway authority intends to improve safety protocols and guarantee that train operators pay closer attention.