Major train accident in Surat, Gujarat, averted after tampered rails discovered on tracks

Gujarat News: A major train accident was averted when authorities discovered an anomaly on the tracks where lugs and keys were removed from the UP line near Kim station in Surat. Train services were temporarily suspended.

“An unidentified person opened the latch and some keys from the UP line rail and placed them on the same rail near Kim station, following which the train service was stopped. Soon after, the train service on the line was resumed,” ANI quoted Western Railway, Vadodara Division as saying.

Western Railway has reported a disturbing incident where unidentified persons tampered with a latch and several keys on the tracks of UP line near Kim station in Vadodara division.

The service was soon restored.

Fishplates, also called connecting or butt plates, are metal plates that connect the ends of two rails in a track. They are used to connect rails, maintain alignment, and transfer wheel loads.

Fishplates are also used on railway tracks to reduce shocks, improve flatness and allow for expansion.

LPG cylinder on the Kalindi Express track in Kanpur

Earlier this month, a passenger train crashed into a liquefied gas cylinder that was parked on a section of track in Kanpur district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

A damaged gas cylinder and other “objectionable” materials were found near the tracks where the Kalindi Express had stopped, raising an alarm.

The train, travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, came to a halt after the train driver spotted the cylinder and applied emergency brakes.

When the train driver noticed a liquid gas bottle and other unusual objects on the tracks, he applied the brakes. Unfortunately, the train could not stop in time, so it collided with the bottle and the train finally came to a stop.

The incident occurred around 8 pm near Munderi village between Barrajpur and Bilhaur railway stations.

Authorities are investigating the motive of the incident and ensuring that safety measures are taken to prevent future accidents.