Due to the alertness of a Gateman and quick reaction by the loco-Pilot (driver) and Assistant loco-Pilot of a goods train, a major train mishap was averted on Tuesday. On detecting the problem in a specific wagon of the goods train, Gateman BK Sethi near the Balugaon level-crossing advised and alerted the train Driver SN Patnaiik and Co-loco-Pilot SK Sahoo resulting derailment of all wheels of one wagon, blocking UP line only.
The goods train carrying dolomite from Biramitrapur (Near Rourkela) to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant got derailed between Balugaon and Chilka stations in Khordha Road-Brahmapur Railway Section.
There were no injury or causality reported. The three alerts and dedicated staffs have been invited to East Coast Railways (ECoR) Headquarters to be felicitated by the General Manager for meritorious service. An ECoR release said more than four Km length track has been severely damaged. Hence, the line has been kept suspended for repairs. In view of re-railment and restoration work, the ECoR has cancelled and partially cancelled some of the trains.