A potential railway disaster was narrowly avoided in Uttar Pradesh when the Nandan Kanan Express unexpectedly split into two due to a coupling failure. The incident occurred shortly after the train departed from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction, causing panic among passengers. Fortunately, swift action from railway authorities prevented any major injuries or casualties.
The express train, traveling from Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi to Puri in Odisha, faced the alarming situation when the coupling of its sleeper coach (S4) broke down. This led to a sudden separation of the train’s coaches, leaving passengers in shock and distress. The mishap took place around 9:30 PM on Monday when the train, already delayed by over three hours, had just left platform number one of DDU Junction. Within minutes, the train split into two sections approximately six kilometers from the station.
Eyewitnesses reported that the moment the coaches detached, chaos erupted inside the train. Many passengers feared a derailment or collision, leading to panic. However, the train’s automatic braking system engaged immediately, bringing both sections to a halt and averting a more severe outcome.
Railway officials and emergency teams swiftly responded to the incident. The detached sections were carefully brought back to platforms 7 and 8 of DDU Junction for inspection. Passengers from the affected coach were relocated to other compartments, ensuring their continued journey with minimal disruption. After a thorough technical check and necessary repairs, the train was deemed safe to proceed. It resumed its journey around 1:00 AM, nearly four hours after the mishap.
Following the incident, railway authorities initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the coupling failure. Preliminary assessments suggested that mechanical wear and tear could have contributed to the breakdown. Officials assured that a detailed probe would be conducted, and necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident has once again raised concerns over the safety and maintenance of long-distance trains in India. Passengers have expressed their concerns about the reliability of railway infrastructure and the need for stringent safety protocols. While the timely response of railway staff prevented a catastrophe, the incident underscores the importance of regular inspections and proactive maintenance.
As the Nandan Kanan Express continued its journey towards Puri, relieved passengers commended the prompt actions of railway authorities, who managed to avert a major mishap and restore order in a potentially life-threatening situation.
