How Did a Vigilant Loco Pilot Prevent the Derailment of the Maharaja Express?
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Synopsis
A vigilant loco pilot's quick actions saved hundreds of foreign tourists aboard the Maharaja Express from a potential derailment near Jaipur. The train was halted just in time to avoid a major disaster. Authorities are now investigating the incident, highlighting the need for increased railway security.
Key Takeaways
- Vigilance is crucial: The quick actions of the loco pilot prevented a disaster.
- Passenger Safety: Hundreds of tourists were saved thanks to prompt action.
- Investigation Underway: Authorities are actively investigating the incident.
- Increased Security Measures: Enhanced patrolling and safety measures are being implemented.
- Past Incidents: Similar derailment attempts have occurred in Rajasthan.
Jaipur, Jan 21 (NationPress) A significant plot to derail the Maharaja Express, acclaimed as one of India's most opulent tourist trains, was thwarted near Jaipur due to the vigilance of the loco pilot.
The train, with hundreds of international tourists aboard, was traveling from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur when the alarming event took place.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, the loco pilot detected iron angles positioned on the railway track near a crossing adjacent to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in the Shivdaspura area.
Demonstrating quick thinking, he engaged the emergency brakes, stopping the train and averting a potential catastrophe.
Railway sources revealed that five to six iron angles, each around five feet long, had been deliberately placed on the tracks with the intent to derail the train.
The train remained halted for roughly 35 minutes while the obstruction was cleared.
In response to the incident, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and local law enforcement swiftly arrived at the scene.
A thorough inspection of the track was conducted with assistance from a dog squad.
After confirming the track's safety, train services resumed. The RPF has opened a case against unidentified individuals and initiated an investigation.
Railway authorities have also mandated increased track surveillance and security protocols in vulnerable areas.
Thanks to the prompt actions of the loco pilot, the lives of hundreds of tourists and other passengers aboard the Maharaja Express were preserved, averting what could have been a significant tragedy, officials stated.
This incident is not unique. In September of the previous year, a similar attempt to derail the Aravali Express was reported in Rajasthan's Sirohi district, where a pole obstructed the track. Past derailment attempts have also been identified in Ajmer.
Moreover, there have been recent reports of stone-pelting incidents on trains; the Vande Bharat Express was targeted in Udaipur and Alwar, and the Intercity Khajuraho Express suffered damage from an attack in Alwar.
Point of View
This incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance in ensuring passenger safety on trains. The quick response of the loco pilot not only prevented a potential tragedy but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by railway authorities in maintaining security. The incident calls for a reevaluation of safety measures to protect travelers from similar threats in the future.
NationPress
22/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with the Maharaja Express?
A plot to derail the Maharaja Express was thwarted by the quick actions of the loco pilot, who noticed iron angles placed on the tracks.
How many passengers were on board?
The train was carrying hundreds of foreign tourists at the time of the incident.
What actions were taken after the incident?
The Railway Protection Force and local police conducted an investigation, and the track was inspected before services resumed.
Have there been similar incidents in the past?
Yes, similar attempts to derail trains have been reported, including an incident involving the Aravali Express in Sirohi district.
What measures are being taken for railway safety?
Railway authorities are intensifying track patrolling and security arrangements across vulnerable sections following this incident.
