Train jumps signal near Ernakulam town railway station; loco pilot suspended

By Express News Service | Published: 21st February 2018 

The goods train that jumped the signal at North railway station | Albin Mathew

KOCHI: Triggering panic and affecting the services of over 10 trains, a goods train jumped signal at the Ernakulam Town station - a junction where the lines from Tripunithura and Ernakulam South meet - on Tuesday night.Fortunately, no train was coming in through the track, avoiding a major mishap.

Following the incident, six trains in both directions were halted at nearby stations, including Edappally, Tripunithura and Ernakulam South, among others.

According to the railway authorities, the incident took place around 7.15 pm when two diesel units were brought to be attached to oil tanks for transportation further north.“Two trains - the Ernakulam-Guruvayur passenger and the goods train - were awaiting signal towards the Aluva side. When the station master signalled the passenger train, which was on platform 1, the loco pilot of the goods train mistook it and proceeded. Immediately, he realised the mistake and, after going a little distance, stopped the train averting a possible mishap,” said a railway officer.

The Railways have taken off the loco pilot of the goods train and another loco pilot was called in. “We immediately placed the loco pilot of the goods rain under suspension. Jumping signal is a major violation of safety rules. A probe in this regard has been initiated,” the officer said.The route was cleared by around 8.45 pm after the goods train was taken to Aluva.Top officers, including the Ernakulam Station Director and Area Manager Harikrishnan reached the spot and directed the traffic restoration efforts.