Tragedy and Triumph: Exploring the Cultural Heritage and Safety Imperatives of Indian Railways

In a heart-wrenching incident that sent shockwaves through Odisha's Balasore district, a train collision on June 2, 2023, plunged the nation into mourning. This devastating collision, which unfolded at the Bahanaga Bazar station, has claimed the lives of at least 275 individuals, leaving over 1,000 injured in its wake. The calamity involved two express trains and a goods train, their paths converging catastrophically within the confines of Balasore. The Yashwantpur-Howrah Express, with two carriages, derailed near the Bahanaga station and collided with the approaching Coromandel Express. Consequently, a staggering 17 coaches were derailed, some colliding with the wagons of a freight train. This fateful incident now stands as one of the most harrowing in recent memory, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted cultural, emotional, and historic heritage carried by the Indian Railways—an entity that profoundly impacts the lives of millions.

Source: Reuters

The route of the journey
Source: Reuters

Since its inception in 1853 as a gift from the British, the Indian Railways have been a unifying force, connecting diverse states, providing mobility and liberation. It has left an indelible social imprint by driving commerce, urban development and sprawling markets that embrace progress symbolised by these iron arteries. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus epitomises the city's intertwined history with the railways. Even the scenic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway holds a cherished place as a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beloved tourist attraction.

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Source: Wikipedia

Fairy Queen Express is the world's oldest locomotive in regular operation train. It was built luxuriously to increase tourism in Rajasthan.
Source: Getty Images

Beyond infrastructure and commerce, the Indian Railways played a pivotal role in India's arduous struggle for independence. Journalist Mark Tully asserted, "Without [railways], the three great cities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras would have remained small colonial trading ports." Visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi harnessed railways to orchestrate protests against the British Raj. Trains became conduits for the freedom movement, enabling revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose to traverse the nation, disseminate information, and galvanise support for Swaraj.

A train during the Indian Independence period
Source: Google Arts and Culture

Furthermore, the cultural significance of the Indian Railways cannot be overstated. It has captured the nation's imagination, becoming a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in the hearts of its people. Filmmakers, poets, and writers have found inspiration in the rhythmic ebb and flow and the vibrant panorama of experiences that transpire within train compartments. In the same vein, Arundhati Roy penned verses on the Indian Railways as a living, breathing entity, a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions—the perfect reflection of India's rich diversity.

For the countless individuals who rely on the railways for their daily commutes, the connection runs much deeper than a mere mode of transportation. The train journey represents an intangible spiritual experience that fosters a sense of community, where strangers transform into friends, and tales are exchanged amidst the rhythmic symphony of wheels on tracks. However, incidents like the Odisha train collision highlight the detrimental consequences of safety lapses.

To safeguard passengers, railway safety measures encompass the installation and maintenance of reliable signalling systems like Electronic Interlocking Systems (EIS) and Route Relay Interlocking (RRI). Accurate track occupancy detection is crucial too, along with double locking arrangements, regular equipment inspections and effective emergency communication protocols. Further, training programs for staff to promote a safety-oriented culture, with strict adherence to proactive hazard identification and manual fallback systems can be life-saving. 

Yes, implementing advanced safety systems like the indigenous Automatic Train Protection System (ATPS) project, exemplified by Kavach, can prevent accidents, but preserving heritage railway stations, locomotives, and routes is crucial too. Promoting railway tourism would offer transformative journeys through time, unveiling the diverse history and cultural landscapes of different rail lines. Moreover, by capturing oral histories of railway workers, passengers, and communities, we can gain profound insights into the railways' enduring social impact and emotional connections.

Pictorial representation of the ATP
Source: ebrary.net

In the aftermath of the tragic Odisha train collision and considering the bequest of the Indian Railways, one must ponder on some propelling questions that demand rumination. How can we avert such devastating incidents and ensure the safety of passengers traversing India's vast railway network? Can we strike a delicate balance between modernising railway infrastructure and preserving the essence of this beloved mode of transport that has interwoven itself into the fabric of our nation's social tapestry? How can the Indian Railways persist as a symbol of national pride and unity, fostering connections among people from diverse backgrounds while etching its unique place in our collective consciousness?

As we lament the lives lost in the tragic Odisha train collision, let us also acknowledge the immense potential of the Indian Railways to shape our nation in a positive light. Only then will the Indian Railways continue to stand as an emblem of unity, connecting us all as we journey onward, propelled by the twin forces of progress and solidarity.

By Anjali Batra