Tirupati: The Bengaluru-bound Vande Bharat Express experienced a brief delay on Sunday evening after colliding with two cows on the railway tracks near the Hindupur railway station in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
The incident occurred when the Kacheguda–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express was en route to its destination. According to railway authorities, the two cows suddenly strayed onto the tracks to cross over as the semi-high-speed train approached. The collision resulted in a loud impact, prompting the alert loco pilot to immediately apply the emergency brakes and bring the train to a complete halt.
While both animals were killed on the spot, officials confirmed that no passengers or crew members sustained any injuries. The loud noise and sudden braking caused temporary anxiety among passengers, but the situation was quickly brought under control.
Hindupur railway officials and technical teams rushed to the site to inspect the tracks and evaluate the train. After clearing the carcasses from the line and performing a thorough safety check, engineering teams confirmed that the train had escaped major structural damage.
The Vande Bharat Express was given the green signal to resume its journey after being stationary for just over half an hour. While the primary train suffered only minor cosmetic scratches, overall rail traffic on the specific route faced minor disruptions for a couple of hours before operations returned to normal.
Background and Impact
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of stray animals on railway tracks, particularly in rural areas. The Vande Bharat Express, known for its semi-high-speed operations, requires clear tracks to maintain its schedule. The quick response by the loco pilot and railway teams ensured passenger safety and minimized delays.
Safety Measures
Railway authorities are exploring measures such as animal detection systems and fencing to prevent such incidents. The brief disruption serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced safety protocols along high-speed corridors.
