Engine Detachment: Railway Board To Launch Month-Long Drive Over Shunting Of Trains

Balangir/Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the detachment of Ahmedabad-Puri Express, the railway board has decided to conduct a month-long drive over shunting at different railway stations across the country.

The drive will be jointly conducted by electrical and operating departments and will be closely monitored by the railway officials, loco pilots and chief safety officer.

“The Ahmedabad-Puri Express train has arrived at Puri Railway Station safely. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible over the incident. An investigation into the matter is underway by a team of railway officials. The team have been asked to submit an inquiry report within three days”, Sambalpur DRM Jayadev Gupta said.

The officials whose presence of mind had helped in averting a major accident from taking place will be awarded, Gupta added.

On Saturday night, a total of 22 bogies of the train had rolled down without any engine for 15 km from Titlagarh railway station up to Kesinga in Balangir district. The detached portion was later halted with stones on the track to prevent accident.

Following the mishap, seven employees, including two engine drivers, three carriage repairing staff, a loco pilot and an assistant loco pilot, were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty.

The incident took place apparently due to non-application of skid-brake on the wheels of the coaches.

However, all the passengers are safe.