Bhubaneswar: Two employees of East Coast Railway (ECoR) were honoured on Monday for their exceptional vigilance and quick thinking, which helped prevent potential accidents and ensured passenger safety.
ECoR General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal presented awards to Track Maintainer-II Srinivas Bhoi from the Sambalpur Division and Loco Pilot Dhirendra Kumar Jena from the Khurda Road Division.
The first incident occurred on February 17, 2026. While on Keyman duty along the Loisingha-Balangir section, Bhoi spotted an abnormality in the wheel of a passing train, which was not rotating an
d was emitting sparks. Acting immediately, he alerted the station superintendent, enabling swift control of the train. Upon inspection, a locked axle and severe wheel defect were identified, thereby preventing a possible derailment or mishap.
Similarly, on March 4, 2026, Jena was piloting a MEMU train from Puri to Khurda Road when he observed track buckling between Malatipatpur and Sakhigopal stations. Demonstrating sharp alertness, he brought the train to an immediate halt and informed authorities concerned. This prompt intervention allowed for timely repairs, restoring safe track conditions and preventing any disruption or hazard to subsequent services.
During the award ceremony, Funkwal praised the two employees for their professionalism and underscored the critical role that frontline railway staff play in upholding safety standards. He stressed that such proactive vigilance is essential for maintaining reliable and accident-free train operations throughout the network.