Chakradharpur: The Howrah-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express (20871) had a close shave on Friday under the Chakradharpur Railway Division of South Eastern Railway. A potential disaster was averted near Tuniya railway station when smoke began billowing from the train’s engine due to a “hot axle.” Upon detecting the smoke and fearing a fire, the loco pilots immediately brought the train to a halt, leading to panic among passengers who quickly evacuated the coaches.
Rail Administration Swings into Action
The railway administration was alerted instantly, and at 12:40 p.m., four hooters were sounded at Chakradharpur, signalling an emergency and causing a stir among railway employees. An Accident Relief Train (ART) was dispatched to Tuniya at 1:40 p.m. A technical team arrived at the spot to inspect and repair the affected wheel assembly. After nearly an hour and a half of technical intervention, the train was cleared to proceed to Rourkela.
Passengers Transferred to Duronto Express
As a precautionary measure, all passengers from the Vande Bharat Express were shifted to the Duronto Express to complete their journey to Rourkela. Passengers recounted smelling a strong burning odor and seeing thick smoke emanating from the engine area. They expressed relief that the train was stopped in time, preventing a serious accident.
Technical Insight: What is a Hot Axle?
A “hot axle” occurs when the temperature of the axle box rises excessively due to increased friction in the bearings. If left undetected, this can lead to the emission of smoke, a burning smell, and eventually, a fire or a derailment. In this instance, the train’s advanced sensor system played a crucial role in detecting the temperature spike, allowing for a timely halt.
