Alert train driver applies emergency brakes, averts tragedy

A major tragedy was averted near Pimpri station on Thursday when a motorman of Udyan Express train (11032) bound from Bangalore to Mumbai applied emergency brakes after finding that the gate of the approaching railway crossing was not closed.

According to passers-by, the watchman failed to close the gate as he was drunk and commuters continued to cross the tracks as they were unaware of the approaching train. They lauded the presence of mind of the train’s driver to stop the locomotive before the signal installed 180 metres ahead of the railway crossing.

A railway official said, “Udyan Express left Pune at 4:15 pm and reached Pimpri in 25 minutes. The incident took place at the engineering gate number 60. There is a signal 180 metres ahead of the railway crossing and the driver applied emergency brakes. He did not cross the signal after seeing that the gate was not closed.”

Every gate has an interlocking system and the signal does not turn green unless the interlock is not fixed properly. All drivers are instructed not to move ahead till the signal turns green, a railway official said, claiming that the incident will be investigated.

Pune divisional railway manager Suneet Sharma said, “We are not going to spare anyone at the cost of human life. The gateman will undergo a medical check-up and will face action as per the railway guidelines if found guilty.”