A preliminary investigation into the Bilaspur train accident has revealed a major procedural lapse — the loco pilot assigned to the ill-fated train had not cleared his mandatory aptitude test prior to taking charge of operations.
The shocking revelation has prompted Indian Railways to initiate a full-fledged inquiry into how the pilot was allowed to operate a passenger train despite being ineligible under safety norms.
Background: The Bilaspur Accident
The accident occurred earlier this week near Bilaspur Junction in Chhattisgarh, when a passenger train derailed after overshooting a signal. Several passengers suffered injuries, though no fatalities were reported.
Early assessments suggested human error as the likely cause, but the latest findings have now pointed toward a serious breach in standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Probe Findings
According to railway officials involved in the investigation, the loco pilot had failed the aptitude and reflex assessment test — an essential requirement for certifying a driver’s readiness to handle long-haul and passenger services.
Despite this, the individual was allegedly cleared for duty by the local operating division, raising serious questions about oversight and internal accountability.
An internal source said:
“The loco pilot had not qualified in the aptitude evaluation conducted last quarter. How he was assigned to a live passenger route is under detailed scrutiny.”
Officials also added that the assistant loco pilot had recently been transferred from another division and was unaware of the pilot’s pending re-evaluation status.
Railway Response
Following the revelation, the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone has suspended several staff members pending further inquiry. A high-level committee has been formed to determine whether negligence, falsified records, or communication failure led to the lapse.
The Railways have emphasized that safety certification and crew fitness protocols will be re-audited across all divisions as part of corrective measures.
A spokesperson for SECR said:
“We have zero tolerance for procedural violations. Strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for compromising passenger safety.”
Aptitude Tests: A Critical Safety Requirement
Aptitude and psychological evaluations are conducted to assess a loco pilot’s reflexes, decision-making ability, and stress management under high-pressure conditions.
Failing such tests typically renders the individual temporarily unfit for passenger operations until they clear a re-test. Allowing an unqualified pilot to operate a train violates Railway Board safety standards and could have catastrophic consequences.
Past Safety Concerns
This incident adds to growing concerns about railway staff fatigue and procedural oversight, especially following several near-miss incidents in recent months.
Experts have called for stricter monitoring of crew rostering systems and digital tracking of test results to prevent similar oversights.
Current Status
The Bilaspur accident probe remains ongoing, with officials examining logbooks, control records, and crew assignment approvals. The damaged train has been moved to the yard for mechanical inspection, and normal operations on the affected route have since resumed.
Authorities expect the final inquiry report to be submitted within the next ten days, after which disciplinary and criminal accountability may be decided.
Conclusion
The discovery that the loco pilot had not cleared his aptitude test has raised serious alarms about internal compliance and safety culture within Indian Railways.
As the investigation progresses, the focus now shifts to enforcing accountability — and ensuring that such systemic lapses do not put passengers at risk again.
FAQs
Q1. Where did the Bilaspur train accident occur?
A: Near Bilaspur Junction in Chhattisgarh, under the South East Central Railway zone.
Q2. Were there any casualties?
A: Several passengers sustained injuries, but no deaths were reported.
Q3. What did the probe reveal?
A: The loco pilot involved in the accident had not cleared his aptitude test.
Q4. What action has the Railway taken?
A: Multiple staff members have been suspended, and a high-level safety audit is underway.
Q5. What is an aptitude test for loco pilots?
A: It’s a mandatory assessment of reaction time, alertness, and judgment skills, ensuring drivers are fit for operational duties.
Published on : 12th November
Published by : SMITA
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed
Source Credit : Reported by Anurag Dwary | NDTV