Moving train comes in contact with stationary train, raises malfunction concern

Bhubaneswar: An empty rake of Konark Express, which was moving towards Bhubaneswar New Station for shunting, touched another empty rake standing on the same track on the outer side of the yard on Thursday, raising concerns over malfunction in the train protection system.Around 9.10 am the empty rake, with eight coaches, was coming out of the yard after maintenance when the incident took place. Since it was moving at a very slow speed, no damage was done.East Coast Railway (ECoR) staff reached the spot and resolved the issue. “Both rakes were empty at the time of the incident. No casualty, injury or disruption to train services was reported. Railway officials and technical staff promptly attended the site and took necessary measures to secure the rolling stock and assess the situation. Train operations on the main line and passenger services remain unaffected,” read an official statement issued by ECoR.According to a senior official of ECoR, eight coaches of Konark Express were sent to Bhubaneswar coaching depot for maintenance. Later, an engine was taking the rake with eight coaches to Bhubaneswar New Station for shunting operation before Konark Express was to start its journey at 2.40 pm.“After coming out of Bhubaneswar yard, it should have stopped a few metres from the standing rake (with four coaches) on the same track. But its engine came into proximity with the engine of another rake and touched slightly. During shunting operation, two rakes sometimes stand on the same track,” the official explained.Official sources said the incident happened due to misjudgement. The train should have stopped a few metres before the second train standing on the same track, but it touched the stationary train. It did not occur on the main line. The actual reason will be ascertained after a preliminary inquiry into the matter.