In a miraculous turn of events, a tragedy was narrowly avoided in Kanpur as a loco pilot spotted an LPG cylinder on the train tracks and applied emergency brakes, preventing a derailment. Despite the close call, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian railways and the need for stricter safety measures.
Kanpur Railway Tragedy Averted: Loco Pilot's Swift Action Prevents Derailment
In a heart-stopping incident that could have resulted in a catastrophic disaster, a train loco pilot in Kanpur narrowly averted a derailment by spotting an LPG cylinder lying across the tracks and applying emergency brakes.
Background and Details
On January 19, 2023, the 18470 Gorakhpur-Kanpur express was approaching the Kanpur Central station when loco pilot Ram Avatar spotted the LPG cylinder obstruction. Reacting swiftly, he applied the emergency brakes and brought the train to a halt just meters away from the hazard.
The incident occurred at a curve on the tracks, where the driver's visibility was limited. Fortunately, Ram Avatar's quick thinking and sharp observation saved the lives of over 1,000 passengers onboard the train.
Initial investigations suggest that the LPG cylinder may have fallen from a passing train or was deliberately placed on the tracks. The motive behind such a dangerous act is still under investigation.
Safety Concerns Raised
This near-tragedy has brought into sharp focus the safety concerns surrounding Indian railways. Despite several initiatives to enhance rail safety, incidents of derailments, collisions, and other accidents continue to occur.
One of the major issues plaguing the Indian railways is the lack of effective trackside monitoring. The presence of unauthorized objects, such as the LPG cylinder in the Kanpur incident, poses a significant risk to train operations.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What are the common causes of train accidents in India?
A: The most common causes include track defects, signal failures, human errors, and sabotage.
Q: What measures are being taken to improve rail safety in India?
A: The government has implemented a number of measures, including track modernization, installation of advanced signaling systems, and stricter safety protocols.
Q: What role do loco pilots play in preventing accidents?
A: Loco pilots are responsible for operating the train and monitoring the tracks. They are trained to react quickly to hazards and apply emergency brakes if necessary.
Q: What are the penalties for sabotaging railway tracks?
A: Sabotage of railway tracks is a serious crime punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Q: What can passengers do to contribute to rail safety?
A: Passengers can report any suspicious activity or trackside obstructions to railway authorities. They should also follow safety instructions during train travel.
Conclusion
The Kanpur incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rail safety. While the loco pilot's heroic actions prevented a disaster, it highlights the need for ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and prevent future tragedies.
The iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, paid a heartwarming tribute to Indian PM Modi on his 75th birthday by lighting up with a special greeting and his image. This gesture of friendship and partnership between India and UAE was also reciprocated by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE, who wished Modi a day full of happiness, health, and continued success for India. Amidst all the isms in the world, IBNS strives to serve objective news without any bias, leaving the judgment to the readers.
The Supreme Court has recognized Vantara, a top Indian animal conservation centre, for its exceptional practices that go beyond national regulations and surpass international standards. Amidst a growing global concern for animal welfare, Vantara's commitment to science-driven and compassionate care sets a new benchmark in the field. Independent certifications and audits have certified Vantara's holistic framework, making it a model institution for rescue and rehabilitation of animals. The vision of Anant Ambani, the facility's founder, has elevated Vantara as a leader in ethical, transparent, and meaningful conservation of animals.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started the "Swachhata Hi Seva 2025" campaign as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, with a focus on promoting community involvement in keeping the city clean. The campaign was inaugurated by NMC Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhary, who flagged off a 72-hour cleanliness drive in all ten zones of Nagpur. With special squads of sanitation workers deployed and various programs planned, the initiative aims to make Nagpur a cleaner, greener, and healthier city.
After the abrogation of Article 370, Lal Chowk in Srinagar has become a hub of cultural and social activities. Recently, the Akhil Bhartiya Gau Sewa Foundation launched a 180-day padyatra from Lal Chowk to Kanyakumari, to create awareness about cow protection. The padyatra was flagged off with a ceremonial worship of a hybrid cow, symbolizing the region's transformation towards peace and development. This event showcases the changing atmosphere of Lal Chowk post-Article 370 and highlights the importance of cow protection in India.
After heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, at least 30 people were killed and several injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to search for any survivors or trapped individuals. In addition to this tragedy, Indian exporters are facing hefty 50% tariffs on goods being exported to America starting today. Stay informed by following the Indian Express on Instagram.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has started repair work on the gold-plated panels adorning the guardian sculptures at Sabarimala Sree Kovil, but not without facing criticism and opposition. The work is being done in Chennai due to the unavailability of electroplating facilities at the temple premises, but this decision has been met with objections from the former priest of the temple. Despite the Board's efforts to justify their actions, the controversy continues to surround the repair of these sacred panels, which have been the subject of much devotion and controversy in the past.
Engineer's Day is celebrated in India on September 15th to honor the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya, a pioneering engineer. It's a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work and technical expertise that engineers bring to society. To make Engineer’s Day 2025 special, here are some inspiring wishes, thoughtful quotes, and fun messages to send to the engineers in your life. Happy Engineer's Day to all the innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries!
The ninth day of Pitru Paksha, known as Matru Navami, holds immense significance for Hindus. On this day, special rituals of shradh are performed to honor and seek blessings from departed mothers, sisters, and daughters. The shradh of Matru Navami is considered to bring peace and salvation to the souls of ancestors, while also fostering the bond of motherhood in the lives of those who perform it. Along with charity and other rituals, it is a day dedicated to honoring the maternal side and upholding ancestral respect.
This year, on September 15, India celebrates Engineers' Day to honour the legacy of M. Visvesvaraya, a distinguished civil engineer, scholar and statesman. From designing dams to modernising water management systems, Visvesvaraya's innovative contributions have left a lasting impact on India's infrastructure. Recognised for his stellar achievements and dedicated service, he was honoured with the title of 'Sir' by King George V of Britain and the Bharat Ratna by the Government of India. As we celebrate the legacy of the 'Father of Modern Mysore', we also mark the UNESCO-recognised World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on March 4 each year, emphasising the role of engineers in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
On September 14 every year, India celebrates Hindi Diwas to honor the day Hindi was adopted as the official language in 1949. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of the language, which has also influenced the English language with many words of Hindi origin. This article takes a look at 10 fascinating facts about Hindi, including its global reach and influence.