Collision course

Fri, Oct 23 05:14 AM

We don't yet know what caused Wednesday's accident, when the Delhi-bound Goa Express crashed into the stationary Mewar Express near Mathura. Was it a signal malfunction, a pulled chain, or an ignored red light? That question is for any inquiry to ascertain. But here's what we do know: human error has killed at least 22 people and injured as many. Indian Railways must take responsibility.

The inquiry must name the negligent as well as suggest systemic changes — such as in signalling — to ensure that such a communication lapse does not occur again. But here's the larger question to ask: if the driver or signal operator is found to have neglected his duty, what to make of the work ethic of his boss? Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's focus is so clearly on the coming West Bengal state elections, that she has little time for her ministerial responsibilities. She has attended less than half the cabinet meetings held, even ones where railway work was on the agenda. Her few railway-related endeavours are a new train service or a new railway facility in, where else, West Bengal. To be fair to her, on this one count, her predecessor was as derelict. But the Congress must know that this is the price of political accommodation. If certain ministries are reserved for coalition partners, collective responsibility still vests with the Union cabinet.

Mamata's evident disinterest in her ministry is so brazen, that this train collision — even if not her direct fault — must serve to highlight irresponsibility at the very top. This tragedy is a wake-up call to Mamata Banerjee and the UPA government she is part of. The railway minister must always be on the job, or she must find — or be asked to find — another one.

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