On June 3, 2023, a three-train collision occurred near Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha's Balasore district, killing at least 288 people and injuring more than 800. The accident involved the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express, the Puri-Howrah Janata Express, and a freight train.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the accident was caused by a signal failure. The Coromandel Express was on its way to Chennai from Shalimar when it collided with the stationary freight train. The impact of the collision caused the Coromandel Express to derail, and its coaches flipped over to a third track, where they were struck by the Puri-Howrah Janata Express.

The accident has caused widespread grief and anger in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, and has ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident. The Indian Railways has also announced a compensation package for the victims and their families.

The Odisha train accident is one of the deadliest rail accidents in India's history. It highlights the need for the Indian Railways to improve its safety standards. The accident is also a reminder of the dangers of signal failure.

The following are some of the factors that contributed to the Odisha train accident:

• Signal failure: The preliminary investigation suggests that the accident was caused by a signal failure. This means that the Coromandel Express was not aware that the freight train was stationary on the track ahead.
• Overcrowding: The Coromandel Express was carrying more passengers than it was designed to carry. This overcrowding made it more difficult for passengers to escape from the train after the collision.
• Poor infrastructure: The tracks at the accident site were in poor condition. This made it more likely that a derailment would occur.

The Odisha train accident is a tragedy that could have been prevented. The Indian Railways must take steps to improve its safety standards and prevent future accidents.