‘Tracks seriously damaged at 202 locations in Kerala; Railway ignored warning’
- Rail traffic in Kerala continue to be affected after the derailment of a Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Express on Sunday
- Railway Engineers' Association alleged that the suspended engineer was made a scapegoat.
- The Senior Section Engineer had warned of the serious damages in the track at 120 locations under his jurisdiction.
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The Railway Senior Section Engineer, who was suspended in connection with the derailment of Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Express near Angamali on Sunday had submitted a report early this month pointing out serious problems in the tracks at 120 locations including at Karukutty where the mishap occurred, the Railway Engineers' Association has stated. The association also warned that the tracks were in a bad shape and needed immediate replacement at 202 locations across the state.
Also read: Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Express derailed in Kerala; passengers safe
Railway Engineers' Association alleged that the officer was made a scapegoat for the lapse of the senior officials. Francis had inspected the area assigned to him including Karukutty on 10 August and found serious problems in the track at 120 locations. He submitted a report to Assistant Division Engineer. As per procedure, the tracks found to have serious damage should be replaced within three days.
Also read: Tvm-Mangalore derailment: One suspended for improper track repairs
Francis submitted another report on the seriousness of the situation within a few days. Based on this, some tracks were replaced but in some places, Railway opted for some minor repair works. "The higher ups are making an engineer scapegoat for their grave lapse," the association criticized.
At least 202 tracks under Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway are in need of immediate replacement. If the authorities did not take the warning seriously, it might end up in a big tragedy, the association warned.
Meanwhile, the Railway has started repair works across the state and speed restrictions are in force under Thiruvananthapuram Division. The plan is to repair all the 202 locations identified as problematic. In all these areas, trains would be running at a speed not higher than 30km/hour.
The repair works have already thrown the rail traffic out of gear. Most of the trains are running late in the state. Though no passenger was seriously hurt in the accident on Sunday even after 13 bogies skidded off the track, the incident has raised serious safety concerns.
