The automatic signaling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction in West Bengal, where a goods train hit Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express in the rear, has been defective since 5.50 in the morning, according to PTI`s railway source.

"Train No. 13174 (Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express) departed Rangapani station at 8:27 am and stopped between Ranipatra railway station and Chattar Hat due to automatic signaling failure at 5:50 am," the source told PTI.