A major train accident was averted near Jaipur late on Monday after iron rods were found placed on the railway track ahead of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation-operated Maharajas’ Express’s
arrival there.
The timely action of the loco pilot, who spotted the obstruction in time and immediately stopped the train, prevented what could have been a serious derailment.
The incident took place around midnight near a railway crossing close to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in the Shivdaspura area.
According to railway officials, four iron rods and metal angles had been deliberately placed on the track near the crossing.
The positioning of the objects raised immediate suspicion of foul play.
At the time of the incident, the luxury tourist train was carrying 21 foreign tourists.
All passengers remained safe, and no injuries or damage to the train were reported.
Following the emergency stop, railway staff alerted authorities, and security personnel were rushed to the spot to assess the situation.
On noticing the obstruction ahead, the pilot applied the brakes and ensured the train came to a halt before reaching the affected section of the track.
Railway authorities later inspected the track and removed the iron rods and metal angles.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has registered a case against unknown persons at the Shivdaspura police station.
Preliminary assessments by security officials suggest the act was deliberate and may have been an attempt at sabotage. An investigation is currently underway to identify those responsible for placing the iron rods on the railway track.
Railway officials were examining all possible angles related to the incident. The area around the railway crossing was secured, and further inquiries were being conducted as part of the investigation.
