The Northern Railways has taken strict action against a loco pilot after a freight train, under his charge, ran unmanned for approximately 70 kilometers from Jammu’s Kathua to Punjab’s Ucchi Bassi. The railway authorities deemed the incident a result of “negligence”, highlighting the potential for a major catastrophe that could have resulted in loss of lives and property.
In a notice issued by the senior divisional mechanical engineer (DME), Sandeep Kumar, the loco pilot in question, was accused of failing to fulfill his duties and observe safe practices as per railway norms. The notice specified that Kumar’s adoption of shortcuts and improper engine stabling procedures led to the train’s uncontrolled movement along with 53 wagons, posing a significant risk to safety.
