Trackman's quick action prevents major train disaster on Konkan Railway

In a remarkable display of alertness and bravery, trackman Mahadeva averted a major train accident on the Konkan Railway line between Kumta and Honnavar.

According to railway officials, the incident occurred at around 4.50 am on Friday when Mahadeva, on routine duty, noticed an incomplete welding of the track joint in the area.

At the time, the Thiruvananthapuram-Delhi Rajdhani Express was approaching this route. Sensing imminent danger, Mahadeva quickly contacted the Kumta station to stop the train. However, the express had already left the station and was speeding toward the hazardous section.

Undeterred, Mahadeva made a frantic attempt to contact the loco pilot directly, but communication could not be established.

With just minutes to act, he made a split-second decision. He sprinted along the tracks, covering half a kilometre in just five minutes. In the nick of time, he flagged down the train and brought it to a halt, avoiding a potential disaster, the officials said.

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