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.