Patna: A major railway mishap was averted between Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) and Sasaram station on Saturday after an alert goods train guard helped detect a potentially serious fault in another freight train running on a parallel track.According to railway sources, the incident occurred around 2.40pm when two goods trains were moving simultaneously between Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) and Sasaram. One train was on the DDU–Sasaram section, while the other was operating on the DDU–New Kundra Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) route.The guard of one train noticed thick smoke emanating from the wheels of another goods train running on the adjacent DFC line. Sensing danger, he immediately alerted the station manager at New Kundra station and requested that the train be stopped for inspection. The prompt action prevented what could have turned into a major mishap, said a DDU station official.Preliminary findings suggest that the smoke was caused by overheating of the wheel assembly. Had the train continued in that condition, it could have led to wheel failure and a derailment, posing a risk to railway property and operations.The incident has also raised concerns as the defect went undetected by the hot axle box detector (HABD) system, which is designed to identify overheating in wheel bearings and axle boxes. Authorities are expected to examine the lapse.Former All India Guards Council general secretary S P Singh praised the guard, identified as Rakesh Kumar, for his vigilance. “Despite the failure of the detection system, his alertness helped avert a possible derailment. He should be suitably honoured,” Singh said.Railway sources said an inquiry has been initiated and the functioning of the axle box monitoring system is under review. The episode once again highlighted the critical role of frontline staff in ensuring train safety.
