Mumbai local train scare: Human error, system failure triggers near-miss between two trains at CSMT

Both the Badlapur and Khopoli-bound local trains seen on the same line at CSMT after a signal mix-up led to a near-miss. pics/by special arrangement

A signal mix-up and interlocking error led to a near-collision at Mumbai CSMT on Tuesday, after a Badlapur-bound local train was cleared onto a track already occupied by a Khopoli-bound service. The train was brought to a halt just 130 metres short after safety systems intervened.

Preliminary findings indicate a mix-up between signals S-48 and 27 at the CSMT approach, along with possible loose ends linked to ongoing 15-car platform extension work. Officials said an interlocking error allowed the "home signal" to clear for a route leading to an occupied platform line.

Railway interlocking is a safety system designed to ensure trains move through tracks, junctions, and signals without conflict.

Teen sawaal Dr Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer

Was it the fault of the motorman or a signal issue?
It was a case of human error, not a signal issue. The station manager at the central control cabin has been suspended.

What actually happened?
The train crossed CSMT's home signal, located about 270 metres from the platform, and stopped at the internal home signal, which was at ‘danger' (red).

What about the restoration? Was evening peak hour affected?
No. It happened in off-peak hours. The suburban trains have multiple, overlapping safety mechanisms. The suburban local was backed up, and services have resumed. We had to suspend operations temporarily on platforms 5 to 8.

How disaster was avoided

The Badlapur train crossed the outer home signal but stopped at the internal home signal, which was at ‘danger' (red).
>> Automatic safety systems triggered a halt
>> Motorman complied with the red signal
>> Adequate separation maintained between trains
>> No physical contact occurred

Key facts

>> Signal mix-up between S-48 and 27 at CSMT approach
>> Interlocking allowed route to the occupied platform
>> Badlapur local routed to platform 5 instead of 4
>> Khopoli train is already stationed on platform 5
>> Train halted 130 metres before potential collision
>> Incident occurred around 3.15 pm

Second day of disruption

The incident comes a day after another disruption on the Central line.
>> An empty coach of a local train derailed near Dombivli
>> Morning peak-hour services were affected

Reversal operation

To correct the routing error, the train had to be reversed.
>> Train backed up to the home signal with the station manager's authority
>> Rerouted to the correct platform (platform 4)
>> Arrived at 3.48 pm
>> Temporary suspension of operations on platforms 5 to 8
>> Services resumed after the reversal, with limited impact due to off-peak timing.

What went wrong

According to railway officials, the Badlapur local was incorrectly routed towards platform 5 instead of platform 4, where a Khopoli-bound train was already stationed.

"It was human error, and the train was given the wrong path. Instead of giving a signal for track 4, the signal was set for platform 5, where a Khopoli-bound train, slated to depart, was already standing. The Badlapur train moved ahead, but stopped after the signals turned red," an official said.

Railways have termed the incident a serious lapse and suspended the station manager at the central control cabin, located near platform 18, pending an inquiry.