Railways had recently sent out an alert to audit signalling installations across its network. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu Bureau
A major accident was averted in Southern Railway’s Chennai Division after an alert motorman applied the brakes on spotting two trains already stationed ahead on the same track.
The serious safety lapse occurred in the Ambattur–Avadi section on March 5, 2026. A multi-departmental inquiry has been ordered into the incident, official sources told The Hindu on Friday.
According to the sources, an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) suburban train approaching Automatic Signal S192 received a ‘Double Yellow’ aspect, authorising it to proceed with caution. As the train advanced, the motorman noticed two trains standing on the same line within visible distance. Realising the potential danger, he immediately brought the train to a halt just short of the signal, averting what could have been a serious accident.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the signalling system had malfunctioned and displayed an incorrect aspect, allowing the approaching suburban train to proceed despite the track ahead being occupied. Railway officials suspect that the incident was triggered by the unauthorised resetting of a Multi Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) by a member of the technical staff, the sources said.
In a similar case of signalling failure on June 28, 2026, an express train carrying about 900 passengers was cleared to proceed from Arakkonam towards Renigunta. However, owing to an incorrect setting of points, the train was inadvertently diverted towards Katpadi. After realising that the train was heading in the wrong direction, the loco pilots brought it to a halt and cautiously reversed it back to Arakkonam.
Locopilots express concern
Members of the All India Loco Running Staff Association have expressed concern over recurring signalling failures, saying loco pilots and motormen operated trains entirely based on the signal aspects displayed on the track. Any incorrect signal, whether caused by technical malfunction or human error, could compromise passenger safety and disrupt train operations.
The association noted that signaling failures had been identified as a contributing factor in several major train accidents in recent years. “Such incidents undermine the confidence of loco pilots and motormen, who depend entirely on the integrity of the signaling system while operating trains. The crew cannot be expected to work with peace of mind if the reliability of the signaling system itself becomes doubtful,” a senior loco pilot said, quoting from a letter submitted by the association to Southern Railway.
Published – July 11, 2026 05:30 am IST
