NIA investigates possible sabotage in Kavarapettai train accident

There were no fatalities, thanks to the advanced Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which prevented telescoping, and the relatively low speed of the train, which was traveling at 90 kmph or less at the time.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing whether sabotage was responsible for the collision between the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai station, located 40 kilometers north of Chennai. According to The Times of India, the accident occurred on Friday night, injuring eight people and overturning 12 coaches.

There were no fatalities, thanks to the advanced Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which prevented telescoping, and the relatively low speed of the train, which was traveling at 90 kmph or less at the time.

A railway source informed The Times of India that while several factors could have contributed to the crash—such as a worn-out signal operating panel or ongoing signal modification work—sabotage remains a key line of inquiry. Investigations are underway to determine how the express train, despite receiving a green signal for the main line, ended up on a loop line where the speed limit is only 30 kmph.

Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh confirmed that the train’s driver followed the signals correctly after departing from Chennai.

Initial inspections by railway officials revealed potential tampering with outdoor signalling gear and switch points at Kavarapettai station.

According to The Times of India, bolts and brackets at the switch point were found opened, and several nuts were missing, raising concerns of deliberate interference. This follows a similar incident of attempted tampering at nearby Ponneri station last month.

The switch point is a crucial mechanism that enables trains to transition between tracks, and any malfunction or tampering with these components can result in dangerous misrouting. In this case, railway personnel confirmed that while both the route and signal were correctly set for the main line, the train’s diversion onto the loop line was highly unusual.

On Saturday morning, Southern Circle Commissioner of Railway Safety AM Chowdhary, along with NIA officers, inspected the accident site. An official inquiry is scheduled to begin next week, during which more than a dozen individuals—including the driver of the Bagmati Express, his assistant, and station masters from both Kavarapettai and Ponneri—will be questioned.