Railway Board Warns of Derailment Risks from Uneven Loading
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railway Board Warns of Derailment Risks from Uneven Loading

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has directed all general and divisional railway managers to strictly adhere to proper loading and unloading procedures in freight trains, following a series of derailments caused by uneven loading.

Between April 2023 and November 3, 2024, six derailments of BOBYN wagons were reported, with uneven loading identified as the primary cause. BOBYN wagons, designed for track ballasting and carrying crushed stones, are divided into four sections, each of which must be equally filled with stones. Improper loading on one side of the wagon has led to mechanical and safety failures, significantly increasing the risk of derailment.

Experts warn that when the loading is uneven, it disrupts the balance of the wagon, causing operational issues, including the malfunctioning of the doors. These doors, when malfunctioning, may not release the ballast correctly, exacerbating the risk of an accident.

Kumar has urged senior railway officials to focus on maintaining the mechanical integrity of the wagons, particularly ensuring that doors open properly during operation and that safety mechanisms are in place to prevent such incidents. Though derailments due to uneven loading are not uncommon, the Railway Board has stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to enhance the safety of rail operations.

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has directed all general and divisional railway managers to strictly adhere to proper loading and unloading procedures in freight trains, following a series of derailments caused by uneven loading. Between April 2023 and November 3, 2024, six derailments of BOBYN wagons were reported, with uneven loading identified as the primary cause. BOBYN wagons, designed for track ballasting and carrying crushed stones, are divided into four sections, each of which must be equally filled with stones. Improper loading on one side of the wagon has led to mechanical and safety failures, significantly increasing the risk of derailment. Experts warn that when the loading is uneven, it disrupts the balance of the wagon, causing operational issues, including the malfunctioning of the doors. These doors, when malfunctioning, may not release the ballast correctly, exacerbating the risk of an accident. Kumar has urged senior railway officials to focus on maintaining the mechanical integrity of the wagons, particularly ensuring that doors open properly during operation and that safety mechanisms are in place to prevent such incidents. Though derailments due to uneven loading are not uncommon, the Railway Board has stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to enhance the safety of rail operations.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Adyant Enersol & UPC Renewables Secure SJVN's 600 MW Wind Project

Adyant Enersol (Datta Infra) and UPC Renewables secured contracts in SJVN’s auction to develop 600 MW inter-state transmission system (ISTS)-connected wind power projects under a build-own-operate model. Adyant Enersol was awarded 70 MW with a tariff of Rs 3.98/kWh, while UPC Renewables secured 100 MW at a tariff of Rs 3.99/kWh. The tender for these projects was issued in March 2024, allowing bidders to submit proposals for capacities ranging from a minimum of 50 MW to a maximum of 300 MW, with project sizes specified in multiples of 10 MW. The selected developers are required to establis..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Bridge and Roof Secures SJVN Contract for 100 MW Solar Project

Bridge and Roof Company, a government enterprise under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has secured the engineering, procurement, and construction contract from SJVN Green Energy to establish a 100 MW solar power project in Rajasthan’s Didwana-Kuchaman district. The project is valued at approximately Rs 3.5 billion. The tender was issued in April 2024. The scope of work includes land development, design and engineering, procurement of equipment and materials, testing at the manufacturer’s facility, packing, transportation, supply, unloading, on-site storage, installation, erection, test..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NHAI Uses AI and Drones to Detect 1,000 Encroachments on Highways

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology to detect approximately 1,000 encroachments on four major national highways. This initiative aims to address obstacles that hinder road construction projects and ensure their timely completion. The survey covered a span of about 360 kilometres, utilising high-frequency drones to capture detailed aerial images of the highways. AI-driven algorithms analysed these images to identify potential encroachments, including parked vehicles, construction materials, and makeshift structures. F..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000