A potential train accident was averted in Karur district on Tuesday after a retired employee of the railways spotted a weld cut on the track.
According to sources, the cut was noticed between Mahadhanapuram and Mayanur at 7 a.m, a few minutes before the crossing of Ernakulam-Karaikal Tea Garden Express.
Acting on an alert sounded by the former employee, the railway officials and track engineering wing workers from Karur rushed to the spot and found a cut on the track.
As a precautionary measure, the Karaikal-bound train was stopped about 100 metres ahead of the spot. Similarly, two upcoming trains such as the Vasco-Velankanni Express and a passenger train from Karur to Tiruchi were also stopped at Mayanur.
The officials subsequently carried out the rectification works. After setting right the issue, the Ernakulam-Karaikal Express resumed its journey with a delay of around 45 minutes. It crossed the spot at a 10 kmph speed. Other two trains resumed journey by a delay of 30 minutes.
Stating that it was a weld cut, a senior official of the Southern Railway in Salem said that it seemed that there was no sabotage behind the incident However, as per the standard protocol, all aspects would be studied. All train services were restored.
Published - February 11, 2025 04:19 pm IST
