RailEnquiry

KOZHIKODE: Two back-to-back incidents of train derailment while shunting (changing tracks) on July 11 and 12 have miffed the senior railway officials who have ordered a detailed probe. On Saturday, a three-member team headed by senior divisional engineer N Manikyam held a hearing at Kozhikode railway station and collected statements from four railway employees who were suspended pending inquiry. On Friday, the railway safety officials had inspected the tracks.On July 11 night, the Kannur-Kozhikode passenger train ran off the track while shunting following which the divisional railway manager (DRM) Piyush Aggarwal ordered the immediate repair of tracks. On Thursday, July 12, the mechanical and engineering department of the railway carried out the repair works and restored the traffic. But the train once again derailed at Vattampoil on Thursday morning. The incident had delayed many trains including the Kurla-bound Nethravathi express. Following the incidents, four workers were suspended on Friday.While a section of employees say that the wrong signal caused the derailment of the train on Wednesday night, others say the signal was not given and it was the mistake of the loco pilot. However, the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) came up against the Railways' decision to suspend the staff.