HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 22: In the prevailing turbulent weather and continuous rain in Tripura, the alertness of N.F. Railway loco pilots, loco inspectors, traffic inspectors and station staff are ensuring the safety of railway passengers.
On August 21, Loco Pilot, Shri R. N. Kumar & Asst. Loco Pilot, Shri Surajit Debnath prevented a possible mishap while working in train 05676 UP Dharmanagar – Agartala Passenger Special. The train was moving slowly through the Baramura hill ranges area with about 1000 passengers.
After passing the Teliamura station the Loco Pilot and the Asst. Loco Pilot suddenly noticed an obstruction on the railway track at 10 AM, about 33 km from Agartala. They immediately stopped the train by applying an emergency brake without loss of any time.
On physical verification, they noticed huge landslips from nearby hill slopes including mud and trees on the railway track. As it was raining heavily at that time, they immediately communicated the situation over the phone to their superior.
Due to the timely application of the emergency brake, the train full of passengers could be stopped about 100 m before the debris landslide.
In another similar incident today, train number 13174 Kanchanjungha Express was controlled, on receiving information about a fallen tree blocking the railway track at KM 146/1-2 between Teliamura and Jirania stations.
Due to the floods, people of numerous affected areas of Tripura have sought shelter at their nearby Railway stations. Udaipur and other stations have turned out to be a safe shelter for the flood-affected people during the deluge.
The N.F. Railway authorities have made provision for necessary assistance to the flood-affected people at the stations. All the waiting rooms, toilets and other amenities with 24×7 drinking water provision have been made available to the affected people. Railways authorities proactively stand with the flood-affected people taking shelter at stations until the situation turns normal.
The authority is taking utmost care for train operations due to landslides at several locations near tracks. Trains are being monitored and operated with speed restrictions to avert any untoward incidents. Loco Pilots, Guards, and Trackmen have been alerted for any disturbances beside the tracks.
