Mumbai:
If you thought that only motorists jump signals, it's time you widen your perspective. Yesterday, a Western Railway (WR) motorman of the 8.13 am Borivli-bound Churghgate local jumped a red signal at Bandra's platform number 1. Its after-effects: cancellation of several services accompanied by a delay of 20 minutes on both up and down line.
"As per schedule, a Bandra-Virar local was supposed to leave platform no 2 at 8.40 am and accordingly, a signal was given for the train to proceed. However, the train on platform no 1 jumped its red signal and went on to the tracks set for the Virar train," said a senior WR official.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the moment the train reached the intersection adjacent to Gaiety theatre, the point crossover cables snapped.
Explaining the reason for the snapping of cables, a WR official, requesting anonymity, said, "Since the signal was opened for the Virar train, tracks were set to suit the train. However when the train on platform no 1 went ahead on the tracks adjusted for the Virar train, it ruptured the point crossover cables. Thankfully, with the present technology, emergency brakes were applied automatically and the train came to a halt."
After the incident, local trains were being diverted on fast and slow tracks from Mumbai Central as the WR had recently removed the crossover before Mahim station for faster movement of trains.
As per official figures, only 10 services were cancelled, while trains were running 20 minutes behind schedule, until the problem was fixed by 10 am.
Sharat Chandrayan, chief PRO, WR, said, "An enquiry has been initiated into the matter, and we will be able to tell whether the motorman is guilty or not only after the report is out."
If found guilty motorman Sandesh Sawant would either have to redo his training or face suspension.