Trains delayed as Karnataka Express derails

Trains entering and exiting Bengaluru City via Baiyappanhalli were delayed by about two hours following the derailment of Karnataka Express near Channasandra yard on Friday evening.

The front wheels of Karnataka Express engine derailed around 5.20 pm, following which all the train schedules on the route were affected. As trains were stuck on either side of Channasandra yard, passengers walked to the nearby railway stations.

“There is a minor derailment. Railway officials are working to clear the tracks. We expect that about 10 trains will be delayed,” Bengaluru Division chief public relations officer Sridhara Murthy told DH.

“An alert loco pilot averted an accident. All the passengers and rake are safe. The railways have mobilised men and material expeditiously and have arranged transportation of passengers.

Railway staff have done exemplary work in rerailing the train in under two hours and getting it to move. Measures were taken to avoid inconvenience to passengers,” clarified the press release from the railway department by late evening.

Senior railway officials, including general manager, SWR and Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru rushed to the spot and monitored the restoration measures. “Within 50 minutes of the incident, Karnataka Express was diverted via an alternative route and timely run was ensured. Reason for the derailment is under investigation,” the press release added.