On the morning of March 17, 2025, several trains en route to Visakhapatnam from Vijayawada experienced significant delays near Anakapalli due to a compromised girder below the tracks. The issue arose when a tipper truck reportedly collided with the girder placed to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles on the road underbridge. This incident could have led to a potentially dangerous situation on the tracks above.
The vigilant Loco Pilot on a goods train first detected the problem. Noticing an irregularity in the track’s alignment as the train approached the section above the underbridge at Vijayarama Raju Peta, the Loco Pilot promptly applied the brakes to prevent a possible accident, averting a disaster with swift decision-making. As a direct result of the precautionary measures, trains heading towards Visakhapatnam were held up, causing inconvenience to passengers.
Key among the trains affected were the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam Godavari Express and the Secunderabad-Bhubaneswar Visakha Express, both of which were halted at Kasimkota station. Meanwhile, the Mahboobnagar-Visakhapatnam Express was stopped at Elamanchili. Passengers on these trains faced dilemmas as their journeys were unexpectedly delayed, highlighting the importance of railway safety protocols in preventing accidents.
Railway sources indicated that while initial reports suggested the truck had hit the girder, thereby causing the damage, there was ambiguity surrounding these claims. A railway official commenting on the issue emphasized that, “The girder under the track became loose, causing the track to appear uneven, which was immediately noticed by the Loco Pilot.”
In response to the situation, railway authorities prioritized the track’s restoration, working expeditiously to resume normal operations. By approximately 9 a.m., the detained trains were rerouted on an alternate track, ensuring the passengers could continue their travels with minimal additional delay.
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining infrastructure integrity and upholding safety protocols on the extensive railway network that links key regions like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and beyond. Such measures not only safeguard the wellbeing of passengers but also ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of rail travel, an essential mode of transportation in India.
For the latest updates on train schedules and safety protocols, travelers are encouraged to check the Indian Railways’ official channels or trusted news outlets. Today’s developments serve as a stark reminder of the essential vigilance required in overseeing the nation’s railways.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/express-trains-coming-to-visakhapatnam-delayed-as-girder-damaged-after-reportedly-being-hit-by-truck/article69339318.ece
Category : Visakhapatnam
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Publish Date: 2025-03-17 15:14:00
