A potential train derailment was averted in Uttar Pradesh, thanks to the vigilance of a locopilot. The incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh where an alert locopilot spotted a substantial obstruction – a 20-foot-long pipe – placed directly on the railway tracks. This quick detection and immediate action prevented what could have been a major accident.
The prompt response of the train driver underscores the critical role that railway personnel play in ensuring the safety of passengers and railway infrastructure. By remaining vigilant and acting swiftly, the locopilot was able to prevent a potentially catastrophic event. The presence of the pipe on the tracks indicates a deliberate attempt to cause disruption and damage, raising concerns about railway safety and security.
Law enforcement and railway authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Their focus is on identifying the individuals responsible for placing the pipe on the tracks and determining their motives. Such acts of sabotage are taken extremely seriously, as they not only endanger lives but also disrupt the smooth functioning of the railway network. Increased security measures and enhanced vigilance are expected to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident is the latest in a series of attempts to sabotage railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh. Previously, on May 19, 2025, alert loco pilots averted potential derailments of the Rajdhani Express and Kathgodam Express in Hardoi district. Unidentified individuals had tied wooden blocks with earthing wire to the track between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations. The loco pilot of the Rajdhani Express applied emergency brakes upon noticing the obstruction, removed the blocks, and alerted railway officials. A similar attempt targeting the Kathgodam Express was also foiled by the train's pilot.
Earlier this month, on June 1, 2025, train drivers prevented a potential derailment of the Delhi-Shamli MEMU by spotting a 12-foot iron pipe, ballast, and a broken concrete tube on the tracks in Shamli district. In April 2025, the Delhi-bound Garib Rath express narrowly avoided derailment after striking a mango tree branch placed on the rail track in the Malihabad area of Lucknow. These repeated attempts highlight a concerning trend and the need for heightened security and surveillance along railway lines.
Railway authorities are also exploring the use of advanced technology to enhance track monitoring and prevent such incidents. This includes the deployment of surveillance systems, regular track inspections, and community engagement programs to encourage the reporting of suspicious activities. The safety of railway operations is of paramount importance, and all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the lives of passengers and protect railway infrastructure.