Alert railway technician averts a possible train mishap

Hyderabad, July 15 : The alertness and dedication in performing the assigned duties exhibited by P Prabhakar, Railway staff posted as Senior Technician at Warangal Railway station averted a possible accident involving Train No. 12270 Hazrat Nizamuddin – Chennai Central Duronto Express on 9th July, 2014.

The incident occurred when the train was entering in to Warangal Railway station at about 11:26 am on 9th July, 2014 on its way to Chennai Central. Prabhakar, who was on duty, was conducting a ‘Rolling-in Examination’ at that time. It is a regular procedure of safety check conducted for a train on run (on an average at a distance interval of 250-300 kms on a route at nominated major stations) to inspect the bottom parts of each coach of the train for any unusual sound, loose/hanging parts and hit marks etc., to notice and attend any glitch, so as to ensure fool-proof safety of the running train.

During this ‘Rolling-in Examination’ at Warangal Railway station, Prabhakar heard an unusual sound in the 4th coach from the rear of Duronto Express. He immediately stopped the train at the station, and thoroughly checked all the mechanical components of the coach. He noticed a crack in the bogie frame near the axle box of the rear trolley of the coach. This is a very rare occurrence and also difficult to identify on a running train. However, the sharp ears/eyes of P Prabhakar helped in detecting this fault and the coach was immediately detached. The train left Warangal after adjusting the passengers in other coaches after around one-and-a-half hours.

Senior Railway engineers were rushed to Warangal and have been conducting thorough examination of this detached coach. A detailed fracture analysis and metallurgical tests will be done by technical experts and subsequently a report will be sent to the production unit, where this coach was manufactured, for necessary action.

In appreciation of the safety consciousness and commitment shown in the course of his duty, SCR General Manager PK Srivastava bestowed recognition on Prabhakar by presenting a cash award of Rs 3000/- at Rail Nilayam here on Tuesday.  INN