Archive · 14 Jun 2025
CRS Probe: Faulty Rail Detection Led to North-East Express Derailment
A train crashed because the railway tracks had problems that weren't found in time.
The crash happened in October 2023 and caused several deaths.
The people in charge of railway safety said that they should have checked the tracks better.
They recommended better ways to monitor the tracks.
The railway is working on improving how they check tracks and trains, including using new technology.
They are also working on keeping better records and improving how they document accidents.
The North-East Express derailed on October 11, 2023, due to failure to detect rail flaws.
The accident occurred at Raghunathpur Station in Bihar's Buxar district, resulting in at least four deaths.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) investigation cited timely detection of flaws as the main issue.
The Railways is implementing measures to improve rail quality and track health monitoring.
The CRS recommended improvements in maintenance records and accident site documentation.
- Who
- The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) investigated the incident.
- What
- Derailment of the North-East Express due to undetected rail flaws.
- When
- October 11, 2023
- Where
- Raghunathpur Station in Bihar's Buxar district
- Why
- Failure to detect rail flaws promptly caused the derailment.
CRS Recommendations
Railways Actions
Rail Flaw Detection
CRS Recommendations
Advised Railways to implement improved methods for identifying fatigue cracks in rails.
Railways Actions
The Railways is adopting Phased Array Ultrasonic Single Rail Tester (PAUT SRT).
Accident Site Documentation
CRS Recommendations
Emphasized the need for formal training and guidelines for photography and videography at accident sites.
Railways Actions
The Railway Ministry has already issued guidelines.
- Accident Date
- October 11, 2023
- Location
- Raghunathpur Station, Danapur Division, Bihar
- Deaths
- At least four
- Investigation Body
- Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS)
- Primary Cause
- Failure to detect rail flaws
- Railways' Response
- Improving track monitoring and rail quality