Telangana: Alert Loco Pilot Prevents Rail Accident, Drowsy Gateman Faces Action
The loco pilot applied emergency brakes on noticing the red signal ahead, bringing the train to a halt and preventing an accident: Reports
WARANGAL: A potential railway accident was averted early on Saturday after a sudden signal change near Kesamudram in Mahbubabad district forced a loco pilot to apply emergency brakes.
The incident occurred around 5 am between Kesamudram and Intikanne stations at Level Crossing Gate No. 75. Railway sources said the gateman initially cleared Train No. 18527, a special service from Visakhapatnam to Charlapalli, but the signal turned red before the train crossed the section.
The loco pilot applied emergency brakes on noticing the red signal ahead, bringing the train to a halt and preventing an accident. Passengers were jolted by the abrupt stop, leading to panic, and some later lodged complaints with railway safety officials.
Preliminary inquiry indicated that the gateman was allegedly in a drowsy state at the time, resulting in the signalling lapse.
Railway authorities constituted a three-member inquiry committee comprising traffic inspector Mohan Kumar, signalling inspector Ramki and chief loco inspector Bhaskar. The panel examined the gateman, identified as Sharath, and submitted its report to senior officials.
Sources said the committee has recommended suspension of the gateman for negligence in discharge of duty. Departmental action will follow after review by the competent authority.
The incident ended without casualties, with the loco pilot’s timely response preventing a mishap.