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.

Real Estate

14 Oct 2025

GHMC Launches Drive To Boost Property Tax Revenue

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a special campaign to enhance property tax revenue from non-residential and commercial properties by reassessing their total built-up area. Any discrepancies identified during inspections will trigger immediate revision of both property tax and trade licence fees, officials said. The initial phase of the drive focuses on shopping malls across Hyderabad, with over 300 such establishments identified in the twin cities. After the mall inspections, GHMC will extend the verification process to other non-residential properties, includi..

Cholamandalam To Raise Rs 10 Billion Via NCD Issue

Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company has invited bids to raise up to Rs 10 billion through secured non-convertible debentures (NCDs) maturing on 14 October 2030, offering a coupon rate of 7.58 per cent. The NCD issue, announced on Monday, comes at a time when corporate bond activity — which saw strong momentum in the first quarter of FY26 — has slowed during the second quarter owing to rising borrowing costs. However, market analysts anticipate a rebound in the coming months as easing bond yields could reignite investor appetite for corporate debt instruments. The company’s fu..

Maharashtra Approves Cluster Redevelopment For Mumbai Slums

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a cluster redevelopment scheme for Mumbai’s slums, paving the way for large-scale urban renewal and improved living standards across the city’s informal settlements. The decision, taken on 7 October, seeks to convert slum clusters spread over more than 50 acres into integrated housing projects equipped with modern infrastructure and better amenities. To be implemented by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the initiative aims to accelerate redevelopment, attract private investment, and stimulate construction activity. According to a statement from..