The loco engine of the Nagercoil-Kottayam passenger train hit the platform (A1) at Nagercoil Railway junction on Monday. The accident took place after the loco pilot detached the engine for attaching the engine to the front of the coaches at around 11.30 a.m.
Railway sources said that the engine driver hit the platform allegedly due to break failure. The engine hit the buffer stop at A1 platform and damaged its railings. Few wheels of the engine derailed from the track in the impact. No casualty was reported, as there were no passengers waiting to board the train for Kottayam which was scheduled to depart at 12.30 p.m.
It was alleged that this is the fourth such incident in Platform A1. Shortage of shunting staff and lack of infrastructure facilities were the reasons for the recurrence of such incidents, S.R. Shreeram, President, Kanyakumari District Rail Users’ Association alleged.
Mr. Shreeram said that inspite of Rs. 7-crore being allocated for construction of two additional platforms, the works are yet to begin. Railway authorities should take immediate measures to improve safety at Nagercoil junction.
