Two major train accidents were narrowly averted in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district after alert loco pilots stopped a Rajdhani Express and a Kathgodam Express just in time, preventing what could have been catastrophic derailments. According to police and railway officials, unidentified miscreants had deliberately placed obstructions on the tracks. The quick reactions by the train operators and swift response from railway and local police prevented any casualties or damage.
Rajdhani Express pilot spots obstruction, triggers emergency brake
The first incident took place on Monday evening when the loco pilot of the Rajdhani Express (20504), traveling from Delhi to Dibrugarh, spotted something unusual on the track between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations, near kilometre marker 1129/14. On closer inspection, it was found that wooden blocks had been tied to the track using earthing wire. The pilot acted immediately by applying the emergency brake and stopping the train. He then removed the obstruction and informed railway officials.
Following the report, Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun reached the location and directed teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police to begin an investigation. “Upon receiving the information, GRP and local police promptly reached the site and found a piece of wood fastened to an iron strip. A thorough investigation is underway,” said a statement from Hardoi Police.
Second train also targeted, loco pilot averts disaster
Just minutes after the Rajdhani incident, another attempt was made to derail the Kathgodam Express (15044), which was following the same route. Once again, the attentiveness of the train operator helped avert the danger. No passengers were harmed in either case, and rail traffic resumed after officials cleared the tracks.
This is not the first such attempt in recent times. Earlier this month, two individuals were arrested in Jaunpur district for trying to derail a train by placing a steel drum on the tracks near Aunka village. The accused, identified as Afzal Ali alias Sonu and Afzal Ali, were caught after RPF personnel spotted the obstruction between Sarai Harkhu and Shri Krishna Nagar stations on the Varanasi-Lucknow route. The duo later confessed to their crime and were booked under sections 151 and 153 of the Railways Act.
The repeated attempts to sabotage railway lines have raised serious concerns among railway authorities and law enforcement agencies, prompting tighter surveillance and enhanced patrolling along vulnerable tracks.
