The issue of derailments in Indian freight trains continues to raise safety concerns, with recent investigations revealing that uneven loading is a leading cause of accidents. The Railway Board has taken a stern stance on the matter, urging all railway officials to adhere to the prescribed loading and unloading procedures to avoid further mishaps.
Between April 2023 and November 2024, six derailments of BOBYN wagons, commonly used for transporting track ballast, were recorded. In each of these cases, uneven distribution of crushed stones was found to be the root cause. The BOBYN wagon, designed to carry ballast, features four sections intended to hold the crushed stones evenly. The stones are then released through four doors as the train moves slowly along the track, ensuring that ballast is distributed evenly. However, if the load is imbalanced—such as when one side of the wagon carries more weight than the other—it can compromise the safety and stability of the train, ultimately leading to derailment. Experts highlight that mechanical faults, such as malfunctioning doors that fail to open correctly during transit, can exacerbate the problem of uneven loading.
This issue often leads to an uneven release of ballast, putting undue stress on the train’s mechanical systems and increasing the risk of derailment. In some cases, poor design and operational flaws are also blamed for causing such imbalances in the load distribution. While the Railway Board is actively addressing the issue, with a renewed focus on repairs and maintenance of the wagons, experts believe that proper training and adherence to safety protocols by railway personnel are equally critical. Senior railway officials, including general managers and divisional railway managers, have been instructed to monitor loading procedures more closely to prevent further incidents. The broader concern here is not just the risk of accidents but the impact on sustainability.
Uneven loading and derailments not only lead to operational delays but also contribute to higher fuel consumption and increased wear and tear on railway infrastructure. This contradicts the Indian Railways’ long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions and operating efficiently. As the railway network continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability and safety, experts emphasise the need for a holistic approach. This involves rigorous training, timely maintenance, and regular reviews of both mechanical systems and operational protocols. With such measures in place, the hope is that the risk of derailments due to uneven loading can be significantly mitigated, contributing to a safer and greener railway system.
