Bilaspur train accident: Loco pilot unfit for duty, yet on job

India Dec 10, 2025

A recent investigation into the Bilaspur train crash on November 4 revealed some troubling safety gaps.
The loco pilot, Vidyasagar—who sadly lost his life—had actually failed an aptitude test months earlier but was still allowed to operate trains.

What went wrong?

The Gevra-Bilaspur MEMU train ran a red signal and crashed into a stationary freight train near Gatora station, leading to 12 deaths and 19 injuries.
The official report blamed "Error in Train Working," not any technical issues.
It also pointed out that Vidyasagar didn't use emergency brakes and made multiple routine phone calls to his Loco Inspector, indicating a weak grasp of rules and lack of confidence, raising serious questions about how fitness for duty is checked in Indian Railways.