Southern Railway Confirms No Derailment In MEMU Train Incident
Southern Railway has issued a clarification following media reports about an alleged derailment involving a Katpadi-bound MEMU train near Arakkonam. Officials stated that no derailment took place and praised the Loco Pilot’s quick response in identifying a rail fracture at Chitteri station. The incident was safely handled, and train operations in the section resumed without disruption shortly after.
Southern Railway clarified that reports about a derailment of Train No. 66057 were inaccurate. The Katpadi-bound MEMU train encountered a rail fracture at Chitteri station’s loop line—an area under scheduled maintenance with a 20 kmph speed restriction. The fracture was promptly detected, and the train was halted as a precaution. Authorities confirmed there was no derailment, and passengers remained safe throughout the process.
The train had been operating within the regulated speed limits at the time of the incident. Upon detecting the rail defect, the Loco Pilot brought the train to a stop at 9:15 PM, effectively preventing any mishap. Railway officials commended the swift response, noting that such safety protocols are routinely in place to detect and handle rail fractures before they escalate into accidents.
Following the halt, railway maintenance teams arrived promptly at the location and restored the track within an hour. The same train was then cleared on the same line without requiring rerouting. Southern Railway emphasised that services across the section continued as scheduled and that there was no disruption to passenger or freight traffic after the timely intervention.
Railway engineers have reiterated the importance of regular track inspections and cautious operations at known maintenance zones. The Chitteri station loop line had been identified earlier for additional monitoring. This event, though misreported initially, reflects the critical role of vigilance in daily railway operations. Southern Railway encouraged continued cooperation in maintaining safety standards across its network.
The Southern Railway’s clarification puts to rest concerns about a train derailment near Arakkonam. Thanks to timely detection and trained personnel, the situation was contained without incident or delay. As services continue normally, railway authorities underline the value of preventive checks, alert train staff, and public cooperation in ensuring India’s railway system remains one of the safest in the world.
