Concrete sleeper found on down track near Magarwara; major mishap averted due to timely alertness
Unnao: A potentially serious railway accident was narrowly avoided after a concrete sleeper was discovered on the down line near Magarwara railway station, posing a threat to the safe movement of Train No. 82502 Tejas Express. The alert response by railway staff prevented any damage, although passengers had to wait inside the train for nearly 27 minutes.
According to railway sources, a freight train had passed through the same down track shortly before the Tejas Express was scheduled to proceed. However, the Tejas Express was halted at Gangaghat railway station between 8:52 PM and 9:19 PM due to a signal obstruction. During coordination with the Magarwara station master, it was confirmed that a concrete sleeper was lying on the track, blocking the route.
Railway personnel rushed to the spot immediately and removed the obstruction. After conducting necessary safety checks, the track was cleared and the Tejas Express was allowed to continue its journey. The sudden halt caused concern among passengers, though no injuries or damage were reported.
RPF and GRP Launch Investigation
Following the incident, teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) arrived at the location and initiated an investigation. The Gangaghat station master stated that an SLRP freight train had departed towards Unnao at around 8:22 PM, after which information about the sleeper on the track was received, prompting the stoppage of the Tejas Express.
RPF Inspector Harish Kumar explained that ballast loading and unloading operations were underway at Magarwara station at the time. He suggested that the concrete sleeper may have accidentally fallen onto the track during this activity. At present, officials have ruled out any deliberate attempt to derail the train, though a detailed probe is ongoing.
Similar Track Obstruction Incidents Reported Earlier
In recent months, multiple cases of railway track obstruction have been reported across the region:
-
On December 10, a metal pipe was placed on railway tracks in the Baraut area of Meerut, leading to a collision with a freight train.
-
Near Barraajpur railway station in Kanpur, an empty gas cylinder was allegedly placed on the track in an attempt to derail the Kalindi Express.
-
On September 9, 2024, an LPG cylinder was found on the track ahead of the Kalindi Express; it was struck and thrown aside, narrowly avoiding a disaster.
-
Earlier, on August 16, 2024, the Sabarmati Express hit track debris in the Panki industrial area on the Jhansi route, resulting in the derailment of the engine and 21 coaches.
Railway Safety Under Scrutiny
The recurrence of such incidents has raised serious concerns regarding railway safety and monitoring systems. Whether the Magarwara incident was caused by human error or intentional interference will be determined after the investigation concludes. Meanwhile, railway authorities have assured passengers that safety protocols are being reviewed and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
