Bid to derail Rajdhani, Kathgodam Exp foiled in UP: How locopilots averted train disasters

(Representative Image)

An attempt to derail two trains, including a Rajdhani Express, in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, was thwarted thanks to the vigilance of the loco pilots, reported PTI on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, unidentified individuals placed wooden blocks tied with earthing wire on the tracks between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations at kilometre marker 1129/14.

The loco pilot of the Rajdhani Express (train number 20504), which was traveling from Delhi to Dibrugarh in Assam, spotted the obstruction and applied the emergency brake. He removed the blockage and alerted railway officials, police said.

A second attempt to derail a Kathgodam Express (train number 15044) followed the Rajdhani Express. This attempt was also averted due to the keen awareness of the loco pilot.

Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun visited the site on Monday evening and provided the necessary instructions. He confirmed that teams from the Government Railway Police, Railway Protection Force, and local police are investigating the incidents.

(with PTI inputs)