In a remarkable display of vigilance and presence of mind, a locomotive pilot operating the Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express averted a potential disaster when he spotted stones and an iron rod deliberately placed on the tracks. The incident took place near Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, as the train was en route to Jaipur. This train, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 24, was at risk of derailing due to the obstructive objects deliberately placed on the railway tracks.
The vigilant locomotive pilot, who noticed the debris on the tracks around 9:55 a.m., immediately initiated emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt before it could collide with the hazardous materials. Railway staff members were subsequently dispatched to remove the stones and iron rod from the tracks between Gangrar and Soniyana stations.
During a thorough inspection of the tracks, railway personnel also identified and addressed a loose fastener. Authorities acted swiftly, registering a case and launching an investigation to identify and take action against those responsible for this potentially catastrophic act.
This incident has garnered significant attention on social media, where users have expressed shock and demanded stringent action against the culprits. The video footage of the incident, which captured the removal of the obstructive objects, has further underscored the critical role played by the vigilant train crew.
The Udaipur-Jaipur Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train with a maximum operational speed of 160 kilometers per hour, was introduced to reduce travel time. Before its launch, trains covering the same route took seven hours, while the Vande Bharat Express completes the journey in just six hours and 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, this is not the first incident of stones and debris being placed on the tracks of the Vande Bharat Express. Similar occurrences have been reported in different parts of the country, raising concerns about the safety and security of passengers on this crucial railway network.
In May, stones were thrown at a Vande Bharat train in Kerala, while another incident occurred in April involving stone-throwing at the train near Visakhapatnam. Earlier this year, two window panes of the Vande Bharat Express were damaged after stones were hurled at the train’s coaches in the Darjeeling district.
These repeated incidents highlight the need for enhanced security measures and stricter penalties to deter such acts of vandalism and potential threats to passenger safety on India’s railways. The railway authorities, along with law enforcement agencies, must remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of passengers and the smooth operation of the Vande Bharat Express and other train services across the country.
Sources By Agencies
