A potential train disaster was narrowly avoided in Gujarat when railway authorities detected an anomaly on the tracks near Kim Railway Station in Surat. Unknown individuals had removed fishplates and keys from the UP line, leaving the tracks vulnerable. Fishplates, also known as splice bars or joint bars, are crucial metal plates that connect the ends of two rails, ensuring proper alignment and load transfer. Their removal could have resulted in a derailment with catastrophic consequences.
Thankfully, the tampering was detected before any trains were affected. Western Railway promptly halted train services, removed the tampered components, and restored operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of railway safety and the vulnerability of infrastructure to sabotage. Authorities are investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and determine their motives.
Just days earlier, a different kind of danger unfolded in Uttar Pradesh. A passenger train, the Kalindi Express, traveling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, collided with an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks near Munderi village. The locomotive driver, alert to the unusual sight of the cylinder and other debris, engaged the emergency brakes but was unable to stop in time. The collision, while not resulting in any serious injuries, underscores the recklessness and potential for disaster posed by such deliberate acts of sabotage.
Both incidents highlight the critical need for robust security measures across the railway network. Vigilance, both from authorities and the public, is crucial in preventing such acts of sabotage and ensuring the safety of passengers and the smooth operation of trains. Railway authorities must prioritize track inspections, invest in security technologies, and work with law enforcement to apprehend those responsible for endangering lives.
