A goods train hurtling at 100 kilometers per hour without a driver was halted just in time near Unchi Bassi in Punjab, averting a potential catastrophe. Explore the details of this hair-raising incident and a similar event from 2016.
Averting Disaster: The Gravity-Defying Journey
In a heart-stopping turn of events, a goods train embarked on a perilous journey sans a loco pilot, racing at a breakneck speed of 100 kilometers per hour. Originating from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, the train’s reckless trajectory was intercepted near Unchi Bassi in Punjab’s Dasuya, thanks to the swift activation of emergency brakes. This hair-raising incident, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, underscored a miraculous escape from a potential catastrophe.
Investigating the Unforeseen: Railway’s Swift Response
Railway authorities sprung into action, swiftly closing all railway crossings along the route to avert any collision with road traffic. ASI Gurdev Singh of the railway police disclosed the utilization of mechanical methods to decelerate the runaway train. Meanwhile, officials from the Ferozepur railway division hastened to the scene to launch a thorough investigation into the unprecedented occurrence.
#pathankot
बिना ड्राइवर के चल पड़ी मालगाड़ी; रेलवे ने कड़ी में मशक्कत के बाद रोका.
पठानकोट के निकट कठुआ के पास से बगैर ड्राइवर की एक मालगाड़ी अनियंत्रित होकर दौड़ पड़ीरेलवे अधिकारियों द्वारा काफी मशक्कत के बाद आखिरकार होशियारपुर के निकट दसुआ के पास ट्रेन को रोक पाने में कामयाबी. pic.twitter.com/RoXSOuig5d— karan Kapoor (@karankapoor_ani) February 25, 2024
Nature’s Nudge: Understanding the Cause
Initial assessments attribute the train’s unauthorized movement to the natural downward slope towards Pathankot in Punjab. While the investigation is underway, it’s imperative to grasp the intricacies of railway safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Echoes of the Past: Recalling a Similar Episode
This isn’t the first time such a spine-chilling incident has unfolded on Indian railways. In 2016, passengers aboard the Madgaon-Nizamuddin Rajdhani found themselves in a similar predicament as the train’s engine malfunctioned, propelling it on a “driver-less” journey for approximately 15 kilometers. Although termed as a “loco failure” by railway authorities, it evoked memories of the recent close call, emphasizing the indispensable need for stringent safety measures.
Lessons Learned: Prioritizing Railway Safety
As the dust settles on these nerve-wracking events, it’s imperative for railway authorities to reinforce safety protocols and invest in robust infrastructure to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The safety of passengers and cargo must remain paramount in the operations of one of India’s lifelines, the Indian Railways.
Conclusion
The near-miss encounter of the goods train hurtling through the tracks without a driver serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of railway safety. With swift intervention and meticulous investigation, a potential disaster was averted, highlighting the indispensable role of proactive measures and vigilance in ensuring the integrity of our railway networks.
