Sat Jun 28 07:24:06 UTC 2025: **Summary of the Text:**
On July 24, 2025, a near-collision incident occurred between two express trains between Kovilpatti and Kadambur railway stations in Tamil Nadu, India. A Dindigul-Nagercoil special train experienced a signal failure and was proceeding at a slow speed. Due to a miscommunication and procedural error by the Kovilpatti Station Master, the Varanasi-Kanniyakumari Express was cleared to proceed on the same track at its regular speed of 110 kmph. A collision was averted thanks to the quick thinking of the Madurai Divisional Office section controller, who ordered the shutdown of power to the overhead equipment, stopping the Varanasi Express just 5 km behind the slower train. An inquiry is underway to investigate the safety breach caused by the station master’s failure to follow proper procedures during signal failures. The incident caused significant delays for several other trains. The signal failure was caused by burning of signal cables.
**News Article:**
**Near-Collision Averted After Railway Mishap in Tamil Nadu**
**Madurai, June 28, 2025** – A potential train disaster was narrowly avoided on Tuesday night between Kovilpatti and Kadambur railway stations in Tamil Nadu, thanks to swift action by railway officials. A section controller at the Madurai Divisional Office prevented a high-speed collision between the Varanasi-Kanniyakumari Express and the slower Dindigul-Nagercoil special train.
The incident unfolded after the Dindigul-Nagercoil train experienced a signal failure at Kumarapuram between Kovilpatti and Kadambur. While proceeding cautiously at 8 kmph as per protocol, the Varanasi Express was mistakenly cleared to proceed on the same track, despite the first train still being in the section, and the signal post failing communication.
According to railway sources, the Kovilpatti Station Master issued a line clear ticket to the Varanasi Express to proceed at 110 kmph, failing to properly assess the risk of the slow-moving train ahead. A collision was averted when the section controller noticed the dangerous proximity of the two trains and ordered an immediate shutdown of power to the overhead equipment. The Varanasi Express was stopped just 5 kilometers behind the other train.
“The Station Masters on both ends were under the assumption that the Nagercoil-bound train was running at the normal sectional speed of 110 kmph,” a railway source said. “They had failed to assess the risk factor due to Nagercoil-bound train running at 8 kmph.”
An inquiry is underway to investigate the safety breach and determine the cause of the miscommunication and procedural errors. Initial reports suggest a failure to follow standard safety protocols by the Kovilpatti Station Master. The incident resulted in significant delays for at least four express trains. Authorities have reported the signal failure as the result of burned cables.
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