Two coaches of an empty local train derailed while entering a car shed from Mumbai Central, affecting operations on the Western Railway on Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the train was empty at the time of the incident, which occurred around 12.10 pm, according to Vineet Abhishek, the chief public relations officer of Western Railway.
The derailment caused significant disruptions to suburban services, as the slow track towards Dadar was blocked. To ensure the continuation of operations, trains were diverted to the fast line between Churchgate and Mumbai Central. This led to the cancellation of at least 60 services and delays for many others, as reported by news agency PTI.
It took nearly three-and-a-half hours to re-rail the coaches that were blocking both the down slow line and the track leading to the Mahalaxmi car shed from the southern end, as mentioned by a Western Railway spokesperson. The services on the down slow line were finally restored around 5.35 pm, after re-railing the coaches.
Interestingly, sources indicated that this derailment was not an isolated incident, citing three similar occurrences at the same spot over the past two decades. This raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of railway infrastructure in the region.
It is important for railway authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of such derailments and take necessary measures to prevent them in the future. Passenger safety should always be the top priority, and steps must be taken to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of local train services in Mumbai.
As incidents like these can have a significant impact on commuters and the overall functioning of the railway network, proactive maintenance and adherence to safety protocols are essential. By addressing any underlying issues and implementing preventive measures, authorities can minimize the risk of similar accidents occurring in the future.
In conclusion, while the restoration of local train services after the derailment of two coaches is a positive development, it highlights the need for continuous vigilance and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of railway operations. Commuters rely on the local train services for their daily commute, and it is imperative to prioritize their well-being by addressing any potential risks or vulnerabilities in the railway infrastructure.
