CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Train No. 09063 (Vapi-Danapur Express) driver and train manager were honored by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Jabalpur for averting an accident. The employees who were honored at the ceremony included Sunil Srivastava, Loco Pilot Katni; Uday Raj Yadav, Assistant Loco Pilot Katni; and Santosh Kumar Lodhi, Train Manager, Goods, New Katni Junction.
According to Mr. A. K. Srivastava, Senior Divisional Safety Officer, Train No. 09063 (Vapi-Danapur Express) departed from Patharia station towards Aslana on the down track at 17:12 hours. The train was traveling at its maximum speed of approximately 100 kilometers per hour when suddenly the OHE wires on the adjacent up track began to move up and down rapidly. Assessing that something unusual had occurred ahead on the track, the crew immediately applied the emergency brakes. As the train started slowing down, they noticed the flasher lights of an oncoming train on the up line, signaling an emergency situation ahead. The train came to a stop about 400 to 500 meters away from some visible obstruction on the track. A cloud of coal dust was rising from the track, obscuring visibility. Upon further inspection, the ALP discovered that eight coal-laden wagons of a goods train (GTPS) on the up track had derailed, with four wagons obstructing the down track of Train No. 09063. Both the up and down tracks were blocked as a result. The quick and alert actions of the crew of Train No. 09063 averted a major railway accident.
In recognition of their commendable efforts, Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Sheel honored them with garlands, coconuts, sweets, a shawl, and a cash award. The event was attended by several officials, including Vivek Sheel, Divisional Railway Manager; Sunil Taylor, Additional Divisional Railway Manager; A. K. Srivastava, Senior Divisional Safety Officer; Madhur Verma, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager; Prince Vikram, Senior Divisional Operations Manager; Ram Badan Mishra, Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (General); Himanshu Tiwari, Senior Divisional Finance Manager; and other officials from the division.
Safety is the utmost priority in the railway sector. Under the strong leadership of General Manager Shobhana Bandyopadhyay, West Central Railway is committed and determined to ensure protected and safe rail operations, prioritizing the highest level of safety in train operations.