Bilaspur Train Accident: What Is SPAD And Who Is Responsible For It?

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 12:18 IST

SPAD — Signal Passed At Danger — refers to a condition in train operations where a Loco Pilot passes a signal that is displaying a red (danger) aspect without proper authority.

People gather after a passenger train collided with a goods train near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh on November 4, 2025. (Image: PTI)

The tragic train collision on Tuesday in Bilaspur, that has left 11 dead and several others injured, has brought focus on one of the most critical safety lapses in railway operations — SPAD, or Signal Passed At Danger. The preliminary findings from the Joint Note, the primary investigation report in railway accidents, accessed by CNN-News18 reveal that the collision occurred after the crew of train no. 68733 (MEMU Local) failed to control the train at a danger signal.

According to the report, “the crew of train no. 68733 are held responsible not to control the train at the right time and right position before the danger signal and committed an SPAD case." The report further confirms that both the Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot were found in injured condition inside the motor coach following the collision.

What is SPAD?

SPAD — Signal Passed At Danger — refers to a condition in train operations where a Loco Pilot passes a signal that is displaying a red (danger) aspect without proper authority. In the Indian Railways’ signalling system, observing signal aspects is the core responsibility of the Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP). The ALP not only calls out each signal aspect verbally but also maintains a diary to ensure accurate documentation during the journey.

In an Automatic Signalling System, signals indicate track clearance and train position in sequential sections. A red signal means a train is standing or moving through that section, and no other train is allowed to pass. One yellow indicates the section ahead is clear, but the next one is occupied. Two yellows suggest that two sections ahead are clear while the third is occupied. A green signal means the track ahead is completely clear, allowing the train to proceed safely.

SPAD, therefore, represents a grave operational error — a lapse that can have catastrophic outcomes, as seen in Bilaspur.

The Joint Note reconstructs the sequence of events preceding the collision. At 15:31:29 hours, the AJ-5 automatic signal displayed a red aspect, indicating that the section ahead was occupied. Despite this, the MEMU train passed the red signal at 15:50:38 hours and entered the occupied block. At 15:59 hours, the train’s speed, which had been recorded at 75 kmph, dropped to 0 kmph, confirming the moment of impact.

This establishes that the train crew failed to respond to the danger signal in time. Experts suggest that the Assistant Loco Pilot had the option to deploy the RS valve, an emergency braking mechanism designed for such situations, which might have reduced the impact or prevented the collision.

According to official railway data, a total of 38 SPAD incidents were recorded across Indian Railways in the 2023–24 fiscal year. While authorities claim that these numbers reflect a downward trend due to improved safety training and technology, the Bilaspur accident underscores the continued vulnerability in human-dependent safety systems.

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin...Read More

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin...

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News explainers Bilaspur Train Accident: What Is SPAD And Who Is Responsible For It?

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