Railway Board Warns of Derailment Risks from Uneven Loading

06 Nov 2024 CW Team

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has directed all general and divisional railway managers to strictly adhere to proper loading and unloading procedures in freight trains, following a series of derailments caused by uneven loading.

Between April 2023 and November 3, 2024, six derailments of BOBYN wagons were reported, with uneven loading identified as the primary cause. BOBYN wagons, designed for track ballasting and carrying crushed stones, are divided into four sections, each of which must be equally filled with stones. Improper loading on one side of the wagon has led to mechanical and safety failures, significantly increasing the risk of derailment.

Experts warn that when the loading is uneven, it disrupts the balance of the wagon, causing operational issues, including the malfunctioning of the doors. These doors, when malfunctioning, may not release the ballast correctly, exacerbating the risk of an accident.

Kumar has urged senior railway officials to focus on maintaining the mechanical integrity of the wagons, particularly ensuring that doors open properly during operation and that safety mechanisms are in place to prevent such incidents. Though derailments due to uneven loading are not uncommon, the Railway Board has stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to enhance the safety of rail operations.

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