Bhubaneswar: Amid media reports stating that two MEMU trains narrowly escaped an accident and were in a face-to-face situation, East Coast Railway (ECo) on Friday clarified that no such untoward incident occurred.
In a statement, ECoR said that Train No. 68407 Baleshwar–Bhubaneswar MEMU and Train No. 68413 Talcher–Puri MEMU were operating in a section equipped with automatic block signalling. This system regulates train movement by maintaining a predetermined and safe braking distance between trains, ensuring smooth and secure operations.
It said the two MEMU trains were not positioned face-to-face. Instead, they were on the same track in a back-to-back arrangement, with the required safe distance maintained as per
signalling norms. Such detention of one train behind another until the signal ahead clears is a routine and safe operational practice in automatic signalling territory.
ECoR further explained that MEMU trains are fitted with driving cabs at both ends, allowing operation from either side. Due to this design feature, visual perception alone may sometimes lead to confusion about the direction or positioning of the trains, giving rise to misleading interpretations.
Stating that similar clarifications have been issued in the past regarding automatic signalling operations, ECoR said these scenarios are part of normal railway functioning and do not indicate any lapse in safety standards.
ECoR appealed to media organisations to verify facts with official sources before airing or publishing such reports, warning that unverified information could create unnecessary anxiety or panic among passengers and the public.
Passenger safety remains its highest priority and all systems were functioning normally at the time and train services continued in a safe and regulated manner throughout the period in question, it added.