Friday the 13 averted: coach of Rajdhani from Mumbai to Delhi came unstuck twice

Passengers on the prestigious Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express had a close call last Friday when the coupling of a German-designed coach detach...

Passengers on the prestigious Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express had a close call last Friday when the coupling of a German-designed coach detached from the engine—not once, but twice on the same trip.

According to Western Railway sources, the snag first occurred between Bharuch and Chawza in Gujarat at around 9.30 pm and then again at Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh at 10.25 pm. And if the air-brakes had failed to work in time, an accident might have occurred, they added.

Divisional Railway Manager (Western Railway), Arunendra Kumar, admitted that the incident had taken place, but claimed it was the last coach—designed by LHB (Linke Haufmann Baushe)—that had got uncoupled.

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‘‘Nobody knows why it happened. But a senior team is enquiring into the matter. After investigations, we may come to a conclusion,’’ said Kumar.

The air brakes come on automatically in case any of the coaches get disconnected.

According to a senior official, ‘‘Sometimes, in case of uncoupling, air-brakes apply on one part of the train, and if in 14-15 seconds it does not apply on the other part, the train may derail.’’

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