A major safety scare unfolded at the Chandigarh railway station on Monday morning when a passenger train began moving unexpectedly while commuters were still boarding and alighting. The sudden movement of the Chandigarh-Manawar passenger train created a chaotic and dangerous situation on the platform, risking serious injury to several people.
Chaos on Platform Number 1
The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 AM on platform number 1. The Chandigarh-Manawar passenger train (train number 59321) was scheduled for departure. However, according to eyewitness accounts and affected passengers, the train started moving abruptly without the customary whistle or announcement, catching everyone by surprise.
Passengers were in the middle of boarding the compartments when the train jerked forward. Several individuals who were in the process of getting on or off the train lost their balance. There were reports of people stumbling, dropping their luggage, and narrowly avoiding falling into the gap between the train and the platform. The panic was palpable as commuters shouted and scrambled to secure themselves or their belongings.
Official Response and Investigation Launched
Following the uproar, railway officials at the station swiftly intervened. The train was brought to a halt after moving a short, but alarming, distance. Officials from the Northern Railway confirmed the incident and have initiated a preliminary inquiry to determine the exact cause of the unscheduled movement.
Initial speculation points towards a possible "human error" or a lapse in communication between the train's guard, the driver (loco pilot), and the station staff. Standard operating procedure requires a clear signal from the guard after ensuring all doors are closed and it is safe to depart, which is then communicated to the driver. This chain appears to have broken down.
A senior railway official stated that statements are being recorded from the train crew, including the loco pilot and the guard, as well as the station master on duty at the time. The focus is on understanding whether there was a miscommunication or a procedural violation.
Passenger Outcry and Demands for Accountability
The incident has sparked anger and concern among daily commuters and railway users. Passengers present at the time have demanded strict action against those found responsible. They emphasized that such negligence could have led to fatal accidents or severe injuries.
"It was a terrifying moment. The train just started without any warning. My elderly mother was about to step onto the footboard when it jerked; she almost fell," recounted one passenger. Others highlighted the recurring issues of safety protocols being overlooked at busy stations.
Railway authorities have assured the public that safety is paramount. They promised that the inquiry would be thorough and that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken based on the findings to prevent a recurrence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety drills in the operation of passenger trains, especially at major terminals like Chandigarh.
