Bengaluru-Chennai Train Services Hit After 7 Empty Coaches Derail in Tamil Nadu

Seven empty railway coaches rolled away without an engine from Jolarpettai Junction in Tamil Nadu's Tirupattur district and travelled nearly six kilometres before derailing near Thamaleri Muthur as per reports. The incident disrupted train services on the Bengaluru-Chennai route and triggered an emergency response. A major accident was avoided after a railway gatekeeper heard the unusual noise and alerted railway officials.

Railway authorities immediately alerted officials at different locations and asked them to stop trains approaching Jolarpettai from Bengaluru. This step was taken to prevent a possible collision with the derailed coaches. Railway staff rushed to the spot and started clearing the tracks.

How Did the Coaches Start Moving?

According to preliminary information, the seven empty coaches were kept at the coach maintenance yard for repair work. They had reportedly been pushed by an engine but were not properly secured by railway staff. As a result, the coaches started moving on their own without an engine.

The coaches crossed the railway yard limits and travelled around six kilometres before derailing on the Bengaluru-Jolarpettai main railway route near Thamaleri Muthur. The exact reason behind the incident is yet to be confirmed.

• Seven empty railway coaches rolled away without an engine.
• The coaches travelled nearly six kilometres before derailing.
• A railway gatekeeper alerted officials after hearing an unusual noise.
• Trains approaching Jolarpettai from Bengaluru were stopped at different locations to avoid a collision.

Railway Staff Begin Track Clearance Operation

Following the incident, railway personnel started an operation to remove the derailed coaches from the main railway track. Gas-cutting equipment was used to separate the connecting parts of the coaches, while JCB machines were brought in to move them away from the tracks.

The incident affected several trains running between Bengaluru and Chennai, causing delays and disrupting passenger movement. Railway authorities worked to clear the tracks and restore normal train services.

Jolarpettai Junction is an important railway station in Tamil Nadu, with 16 railway tracks and one of Asia's largest railway yards. The incident has raised concerns about railway safety and the proper handling of coaches kept for maintenance work. Passengers and members of the public have called for a detailed investigation and action if negligence by railway staff is established.