Railway Board Warns of Derailment Risks from Uneven Loading
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railway Board Warns of Derailment Risks from Uneven Loading

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NHAI Defends Use of Mamallapuram Pond for ECR Project Ramp

                                                The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it was compelled to use a portion of a pond in Mamallapuram to construct an exit ramp for the East Coast Road (ECR) four-laning project between Mamallapuram and Puducherry. The clarification comes in response to a petition alleging that the construction encroached on the waterbody without valid justification.In its submission..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tiruvallur Begins Full Audit of Accident-Prone Roads

Tiruvallur, a fast-growing logistics and residential hub on Chennai’s northwestern edge, has begun a comprehensive audit of fatal and non-fatal road accidents across the district.Special task forces made up of transport, police, and revenue officials have started field investigations at high-risk locations such as Red Hills, Poonamallee, and Tiruvallur town.The initiative follows an alarming 188 road crashes, including 49 fatalities, reported in February alone. Tiruvallur Collector M. Prathap has directed officials to analyse five years’ worth of crash data to assess if road design flaws o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Modi Hands Over 51K Job Letters, Urges Youth to Drive Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth in various government departments and organisations, addressing them via videoconferencing during the Rozgar Mela.Speaking to the gathering, Modi said today marks the beginning of new responsibilities for the recruits. He urged them to strengthen India’s economy, boost internal security, help build modern infrastructure, and bring meaningful change to people's lives. The sincerity with which they perform their duties, he said, would directly impact India’s journey towards becoming a ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?