Raebareli News: A head-on collision occurred between a freight train and a rail engine in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the engine derailing from the tracks. The incident transpired due to a miscommunication regarding signal and track joining. The accident, which occurred on Monday evening within the NTPC power project in Unchahar, resulted in injuries to the loco pilot and one other person.
According to local inputs, the freight train had arrived from a coal mine in Jharkhand, delivering coal to NTPC’s coal handling plant. The unloading process continued late into the night, and around 10 pm, the freight train began its return journey. However, the train’s engine was positioned at the rear and was scheduled to be repositioned at Arka railway station, about four kilometres ahead. As the train departed from NTPC, it unexpectedly collided head-on with an oncoming rail engine, which the loco pilot failed to see due to the rear positioning.
The collision, reportedly caused by incorrect signaling and track joining, led to the rail engine derailing. The incident led to an immediate response from NTPC and railway staff, who rushed to the scene and sealed off the area. CISF personnel, along with railway employees, began repairs on the track late into the night. Train movements on this line have been temporarily halted, and a committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
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Mumbai Local Train Services Disrupted Due to Technical Glitch In Engine Of Latur Express
In a separate incident in Mumbai, a technical glitch in the engine of the CSMT-bound Latur Express near Kalwa station in Thane district on Monday morning caused significant delays in local train services towards Mumbai. The Latur Express was halted at Kalwa station around 8:30 am due to brake pressure issues in its engine. This stoppage delayed the train for about 20 minutes before it was moved to Thane station.
As a result, the Nagpur-CSMT Duronto Express, which was trailing the Latur Express, was also detained for approximately 20 minutes, news agency PTI reported. The incident led to a delay of 15-20 minutes for local trains heading towards CSMT during the busy morning rush hour, exacerbating commuter frustrations.
Commuter activists have criticised Central Railway for its operational decisions, particularly questioning the use of fast corridors for CSMT-bound mail and express trains via Kalwa station, despite the availability of additional tracks between Kalyan and Thane stations. They argued that utilising these tracks could help reduce congestion and minimise delays for long-distance trains.