In a commendable display of alertness, the train crew of the Matsyagandha Express averted a potential accident on the Barkur-Udupi section near Perampalli on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred as the train, numbered 12619, was approaching kilometer marker 686/32. Loco pilot Purushottam and assistant loco pilot Manjunath Naik spotted a massive tree obstructing the tracks. They promptly applied emergency brakes, bringing the train to a safe halt.
Following the stop, a railway team arrived at the scene and cleared the tracks, allowing the train to continue its journey without further incident. The quick thinking and decisive action of the crew were lauded by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) chairman and managing director Santosh Kumar Jha. In recognition of their vigilance, Jha announced a cash award of Rs 15,000 each for Purushottam and Manjunath Naik.
The awards were presented by KRCL senior regional traffic manager Dilip Bhat and chief loco inspector Binu K at a ceremony held at Surathkal station near Mangaluru. The commendable actions of the crew underscore the importance of attentiveness and swift response in ensuring passenger safety on the railways.
Sudha Krishnamurthy, KRCL manager (public relations), shared these details, highlighting the corporation’s appreciation for the crew’s efforts. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by railway staff in maintaining safety and preventing accidents on the tracks.