A potentially serious railway accident was averted on Tuesday evening when a coach of the CSMT–Solapur Vande Bharat Express partially derailed while approaching Pune Railway Station. The incident occurred at around 7:30 PM as the train was entering the station at low speed.
According to railway officials, one trolley of the fourth coach slipped off the track while passing over a diamond crossing—a specialised rail intersection where two tracks cross at the same level. Despite the derailment, no passengers were injured, and all individuals on board were reported safe.
Passengers Recall Sudden Jolt, Prompt Response by Loco Pilot
Passengers described a brief moment of panic as the train experienced a sudden jolt before coming to a halt. Many said the train had already slowed significantly before reaching the station.
“The train was moving slowly when there was a sudden break in motion. The loco pilot quickly informed us and guided passengers to move towards the engine,” said one commuter. Another passenger noted that announcements were made promptly, helping avoid confusion and ensuring an orderly response.
The train, which was scheduled to arrive earlier, had already been delayed before the incident occurred.
Central Railway Acts Swiftly, Arranges Alternate Train for Passengers
The Central Railway immediately initiated emergency protocols to minimize inconvenience. A replacement rake was arranged, and passengers were safely escorted and transferred to continue their journey towards Solapur.
Railway staff were deployed at the site to assist travellers, manage crowd movement, and ensure safety throughout the process.
Diamond Crossing Under Scrutiny, Upgrade Timeline Accelerated
Preliminary findings suggest the derailment may be linked to the diamond crossing structure at the station’s entry point. Such crossings are known for their complex design and require precise maintenance due to gaps in the rails that can affect wheel alignment.
Railway authorities confirmed that the Pune yard was already scheduled for infrastructure upgrades. However, following this incident, the timeline for replacing the diamond crossing with a more stable track system has been expedited.
Nationwide Review of High-Risk Track Structures Ordered
In a significant move, officials have directed a broader inspection of similar track systems across the Indian Railways network. Non-standard diamond crossings, often considered high-maintenance and prone to wear, will be identified and replaced in phases.
Experts note that trains are required to move at very low speeds—typically under 20 km/h—while crossing such intersections to minimise risks. Any deviation or technical fault can increase the likelihood of derailment.
Investigation Underway, Focus on Preventing Future Incidents
Railway authorities remain on-site conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the derailment. While the absence of injuries is a major relief, the incident has renewed focus on track safety and the need for continuous infrastructure modernisation.
Officials emphasised that lessons from the incident will be used to strengthen operational safety and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
