Kerala: Services hit as goods train jumps signal

Kochi: A goods train jumped signal at Ernakulam Town station, an inter-junction where the lines from Tripunithura and South direction meet, affecting over a dozen train services passing through the section on Tuesday night. The incident happened at 7.10 pm when two diesel units were brought to attach oil tanks for its further transportation to northern direction.

“At that time, the Ernakulam-Guruvayur passenger was at Platform No 1, and the goods train at adjacent mainline, both in the upline towards the Aluva direction waiting for the signal. While the station master gave the signal for the passenger train to proceed, the loco pilot of the goods train confused it for himself and started to proceed. 

He, however, realised his mistake after going some distance and stopped the train averting a possible mishap,” a source said. "Luckily no train was incoming through the track. Otherwise, it could have resulted in a major mishap." “The loco pilot of the goods train was immediately taken off the train and placed under suspension. A signal passing offence is a major violation of safety rules under the Railway Rules. A probe has been ordered,” he said.

"Following the incident, six trains in both directions were halted at nearby stations including Edappally, Tripunithura and South. Another loco pilot was called in, and the goods train finally taken to Aluva. Traffic flow was restored around 8.45 pm.” Top officials including Ernakulam Station director and area manager Harikrishnan reached the spot and directed the traffic restoration efforts.