Express train chugs along without engine in Odisha; mishap averted

Sambalpur: The passengers on board Ahmedabad-Puri Express train had a harrowing time today as the bogies rolled down backwards in Odisha’s Titlagarh, which could have resulted in a major mishap.

The ECoR authorities have suspended two staff for dereliction of duty and inquiry has been ordered.

As many as 22 coaches of the Express train began rolling down towards Kesinga due to non-application of skid-brake on the wheels by staff concerned. At Titlagarh, the engine reversal of this train was done.

The pilotless train travelled for about 15 km before it was stopped outside the Kesinga railway station.

“When engine is detached to be attached at the other end, the coaches should be secured with skids at the wheels.  In this case, it appears that the skids have either not been placed or placed improperly. Facts will be known after detailed enquiry.  DRM SAMBALPUR has ordered a senior officer-level enquiry consisting of Divisional heads of Operating/Safety/Mechanical/Civil Engineering departments. Besides, ADRM Sambalpur and Senior Divisional Safety Officer were rushed to Titlagarh to take stock of the situation,” an ECoR release said.

DRM Sambalpur placed Srikanta Kharavel and Dharmendra Nihal under suspension as they failed to follow the engine shunting procedure.

While the coaches chugged along in the opposite direction, alert Railway staff brought them to halt by putting stones on the tracks.

“Strictest action would be initiated against the persons for any negligent act endangering safety of trains. Safety is non-negotiable and cannot be compromised with. Any Railway employee found guilty will be taken up severely,” ECoR General Manager Umesh Singh said.

No passenger was hurt in the incident.