Yelagiri Express train passes stop signal, Railways order inquiry

Chennai: In yet another safety-related incident, the loco pilot of the Yelagiri Express allegedly passed a stop signal while departing Perambur station on Thursday, prompting railway authorities to halt the train and replace the operating crew.Railway officials said at around 6pm, Train No 16089 Yelagiri Express passed a stop (red) signal while leaving Perambur for Yelagiri. In railway terminology, the incident is classified as Signal Passed At Danger (SPAD), one of the most serious operating irregularities in railway signalling because it can compromise safe train movements.An alert was immediately relayed to the control office, following which the crew was contacted through railway communication channels and the train was brought to a halt.

The locomotive crew was taken off duty and replaced with a fresh crew before the train resumed its journey.Railway officials said the change of crew delayed the train by around 10 minutes. However, passengers on board claimed the train was delayed by more than 40 minutes.A departmental inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances that led to the SPAD. Officials said the inquiry would examine all possible factors, including crew fatigue, distraction, medical condition, compliance with operating procedures and other operational aspects.

The loco pilot will also undergo a mandatory medical examination before further action is taken.The incident comes days after railway sources alleged that the Puducherry–Kacheguda Express was briefly routed onto the wrong line at Arakkonam Junction during yard remodelling works. Southern Railway, however, has denied that any such incident occurred.