Goods Train Derails in Tamil Nadu

An unusual railway incident was reported in Tamil Nadu’s Tirupattur district after an empty goods train moved backwards on its own and derailed. The seven-coach train had been parked at the yard of Jolarpettai railway station when it suddenly began rolling backwards. It travelled nearly six kilometres towards Tamalerimuthur, located between Jolarpettai and Somanaikanpatti stations. Railway staff noticed the movement and alerted officials at Jolarpettai. By the time the train reached Tamalerimuthur, all seven coaches had derailed. As two coaches entered the main railway line, the Howrah Express, travelling from Howrah to Bengaluru, was diverted to Tirupattur station before continuing its journey to Bengaluru.

Following the incident, railway officials, the railway safety assistance team and the Railway Protection Force reached the spot and began restoration work. Teams worked to clear the derailed coaches from the tracks. Train services were affected, with an express train travelling from Bengaluru to Jolarpettai being stopped at Somanaikanpatti station. Another express train heading from Bengaluru to Tirupati was also halted midway. The Chennai Divisional Railway Manager ordered an inquiry into the reasons behind the goods train moving backwards. Repairs were carried out on the damaged main line, which was restored by midnight. The seven derailed coaches were removed by Monday morning.