Rayagada: Passengers of Bhubaneswar-Jagdalpur Hirakhand express had a narrow escape near Singapur road station in this district Tuesday – thanks to an alert signalman’s swift action and presence of mind.
According to sources in the Railways, the signalman, Baishnav Gouda, noticed a crack on the railway track near Singapur Road station. While attending parcel unloading, he heard an unusual sound on the track and went to check the spot and observed a fracture in the rail between the 3rd and 4th compartment of the train.
He immediately informed the station master on duty, who immediately alerted other officials present at the station and directed them to attend and protect. As a result, Hirakhand Express heading towards Jagdalpur was halted at Singapur Road station at 6 am.
Senior officials reached the spot and got the fault repaired. The train was allowed to resume its journey towards its destination after an hour’s delay. “Train speed was barely running at a speed of 5 kmph as the station was nearby. Such track failures happen every winter due to extreme cold condition. As a result, patrolmen are deployed everywhere,” Chief Public Relations Officer of ECoR JP Mishra said.
When contacted, the signalman Baishnav Gouda said, “As the train was nearing the station, I sensed the track creating an unusual sound. On inspection, I spotted a crack on the railway track and immediately informed the station master and urged him not to clear the line. It was not my duty. I am happy I could a major train mishap.”
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