A late-night journey of the prestigious Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express was briefly disrupted on Tuesday after it collided with an auto-rickshaw that had entered the railway tracks. The incident occurred near Akathumuri Halt station in the Varkala–Kadakkavur section, but fortunately resulted in no injuries.
Timely Braking Averts Major Mishap
The accident took place at 10:10 PM on Tuesday as the Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20633) was approaching the halt station. According to an official railway statement, the train was moving at a slow speed at the time. The alert loco pilot spotted the auto-rickshaw on the tracks in time and immediately applied the emergency brakes. This prompt action was crucial in preventing a more serious outcome.
Investigations revealed that the three-wheeler was unoccupied at the moment of impact. There were no passengers in the auto, and its driver had fled the scene before the collision. The vehicle sustained damage from the hit.
Swift Restoration of Services
Following the incident, personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), engineering departments, and local police rushed to the spot. Their primary task was to clear the damaged auto-rickshaw from the railway line to ensure the safety of subsequent train movements.
After thorough checks confirmed the safety of both the track and the train, the Vande Bharat Express was allowed to resume its journey. It departed from the location at 11:15 PM, concluding its trip at Thiruvananthapuram Central station at 11:50 PM. Normal train operations on the affected section were restored shortly after the clearance operations were completed.
Focus on Safety and Investigation
This incident highlights the persistent challenges of trespassing on railway tracks, a major safety concern for Indian Railways. While the swift response by railway staff minimized disruption, questions remain about how the auto-rickshaw entered the secured track area. Authorities are likely to investigate the lapse and review safety protocols in the section to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The successful handling of the situation underscores the importance of trained personnel and emergency protocols. The fact that a high-speed train like the Vande Bharat was moving slowly while approaching a halt station also played a significant role in averting potential casualties.
