Bhubaneswar: A major mishap could be averted at Markona railway station, thanks to quick thinking of the station master after Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express train allegedly overshot the signal on Sunday evening.
The locomotive pilot, assistant pilot, and guard were taken off the Shatabdi Express for questioning.
According to sources, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi Express was delayed by almost an hour and arrived at Soro railway station at 5.36 pm and was scheduled to depart at 5.46 pm. At the same time, the Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express chugged towards the station area even though its designated line was not clear.
To avert a catastrophic incident, the Howrah–Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi was held back at Soro, while the Howrah–Puri Shatabdi was controlled at Markona station. The train departed from Markona at 7:25 pm after the drivers were replaced.
Station Master U N Panda confirmed the incident, stating that the drivers are currently at the station and a departmental inquiry is underway to determine the cause of the incident. Senior railway officials are also at Markona station to review the situation and initiate a probe into the alleged lapses in operational protocol.
The incident brought back memories of the tragic train crash at Bahanaga, which claimed 293 lives in 2023.