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Once again a major and terrible train accident was narrowly averted on Bihar’s rail network. A passenger train running at high speed suddenly reached a track whose track was broken in the middle. As soon as the engine and starting wheels of the train had passed over the broken track, the loco pilot (train driver) immediately became aware of an unusual jolt and technical fault in the track. Without wasting a second, the loco pilot, showing amazing intelligence and promptness, immediately applied emergency brakes. Due to this precise and quick decision, the train stopped safely without derailing and the lives of hundreds of passengers in the bogies were miraculously saved. As soon as information about the incident was received, there was panic among the railway administration and technical teams.
As per the developments, the train was moving at normal speed on the track as per its scheduled time. Suddenly, due to metal fracture in a part of the track, unusual vibration and heavy noise was generated under the wheels. The shocks were so strong that the passengers sitting on their seats inside the coaches jumped violently and started screaming. If the speed of the train was not controlled or the loco pilot delayed even by a few seconds, several coaches of the train could have run over each other and derailed at high speed, causing huge loss of life.
The biggest and most commendable contribution in this entire incident was made by the train’s loco pilot and assistant loco pilot. Sensing the unusual noise and the sudden change in pressure on the instruments in the cabin, the pilot applied emergency brakes in a scientific manner without panic. Even after applying sudden brakes, the train remained balanced and stopped safely on the track before turning into a major accident. As soon as the train stopped, the loco pilot immediately got down and inspected the track, where the track was clearly seen broken into two parts. After this, an emergency message was immediately sent to the nearest station master and controller through walkie-talkie and railway control room.
As soon as the information about the train stopping on the broken track and rail fracture was received by the operating control of Danapur/Sonpur Railway Division, an atmosphere of chaos was created in the entire department. The officials immediately implemented security protocols and immediately stopped other mail, express and goods trains coming from behind on that route by giving red signals at the previous stations. This quick decision completely eliminated the risk of collision with another train on the route or a secondary accident.
Considering the seriousness of the incident, special teams of PWI (Permanent Way Inspector), Engineering Wing and Divisional Railway Protection Force (RPF) immediately reached the spot with heavy equipment and spare tracks. The engineering team first carefully inspected the broken railway section and installed temporary clamps and sent the train towards the next station at a safe speed. After this, the track was completely cut and a new piece of rail was added there through welding. After about two to three hours of intensive repair work, the safety clearance of the track was completed and rail traffic was restored to normal.
According to railway technical experts, there are two main reasons behind fractures in the tracks. First, sudden fluctuations in temperature (thermal stress) cause iron to shrink and expand, causing cracks at weak joints. Second, possible negligence in routine track patrolling and ultrasonic flaw detection (USFD) testing. The question is serious whether the patrolman or the keyman did not notice the fracture during routine patrolling, or whether the track broke suddenly just before the train passed.
Taking strong cognizance of this very serious matter, the East Central Railway Administration has given instructions to constitute a high level joint investigation committee. The investigation team will investigate when the ultrasonic inspection of the track was last conducted on that section and whether the railway personnel on duty followed the safety protocols or not. Officials have clarified that if negligence is found at any level in routine maintenance or patrolling, strict disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible employees and supervisors. At the same time, railway passengers and various organizations have demanded to honor the brave loco pilot who saved the lives of hundreds of innocent people by giving him a special award and citation from the Railways.