Technical Glitch Delays New Jalpaiguri-Chennai Express in Kharagpur Division
A technical malfunction disrupted the journey of the New Jalpaiguri-Chennai Central Express (Train No. 22861) on Saturday, causing a significant delay between Soro and Markona in the Kharagpur division. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 PM when the train’s locomotive encountered an issue, leading to a prolonged halt before resuming its journey in the evening.
Loco Malfunction Causes Disruption
According to railway officials, the locomotive of the New Jalpaiguri-Chennai Central Express suffered damage after being struck by an object on the tracks. This unexpected obstruction rendered the loco inoperative, necessitating an alternative engine to be arranged. Despite initial concerns, there were no derailments or injuries reported.
In response to the situation, railway authorities swiftly initiated safety protocols and conducted thorough inspections before allowing the train to proceed. After several hours of delay, an alternative locomotive was attached, and the train finally departed at 6:23 PM.
Impact on Other Train Services
The incident not only delayed the New Jalpaiguri-Chennai Central Express but also disrupted the schedules of multiple other trains operating in the region.
The 12245 Howrah-SMVT Bengaluru Express was held up between Soro and Markona.
The 68051 Baleshwar-Bhadrak MEMU train was detained at Soro.
The 18045 Shalimar-Hyderabad East Coast Express also experienced delays due to the affected route.
Railway Authorities Take Preventive Measures
To prevent further disruptions, railway personnel conducted detailed inspections and ensured all safety measures were in place before resuming services. The officials emphasized that passenger safety remained their top priority, and efforts were made to minimize inconvenience.
Such incidents highlight the challenges faced by railway networks and the importance of swift response mechanisms to manage unforeseen technical failures. The Railways continue to monitor operations closely to ensure smoother journeys for passengers in the future.
