Udupi: Loco pilots help avert major disaster

The timely alertness of the loco pilots averted a major disaster on Wednesday morning between Barkur and Udupi stations when the Matsyagandha Express train was traveling from Mumbai to Mangalore.

Reportedly a large tree had fallen on the track between Barkur and Udupi stations on the Konkan Railway route. As the train approached Perampalli in Manipal, the loco pilots noticed the fallen tree and immediately applied the emergency brakes, thus bringing the train to a halt.

Railway personnel rushed to the spot and removed the tree from the track, ensuring the resumption of train services. In recognition of their alertness and quick action, the loco pilot and assistant pilot from Mandya and Bhatkal, respectively, were each awarded Rs 15,000 by Konkan Railway CMD Santhosh Kumar Jha. The prize award was handed to them at Suratkal station, according to a statement from Konkan Railway.