Railing collapses on moving Violet Line train, services hit
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro averted a major accident on Thursday as a large portion of a railing collapsed and hit one side of a moving train due to the strong winds and rains that lashed the national capital.
The i ncident took place between Jangpura and Lajpat Nagar Metro stations on the Violet Line around 4.05 pm.
Even though none of the passengers suffered injuries, commuters had a harrowing time as services were disrupted for nearly three hours.
Metro officials said that the matter would be investigated.
“We will be investigating the incident further from safety considerations,” said Anuj Dayal, executive director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Officials said that the Escort Mujesar-bound train had just come out of the underground tunnel after departing from Jangpura station and was approaching Lajpat Nagar when the railing suddenly collapsed and hit the left side of the moving train.
Passengers complained of a loud bang and jerk. Panic gripped some of the commuters. It was raining heavily and the squall had reached more than 60 km per hour.
“It was raining heavily and there were strong winds. Suddenly we heard a loud bang and a screeching sound. It was a terrifying experience. After that the train moved with a snail’s pace and stopped at Lajpat Nagar. We were asked to vacate the train,” said Vibha Goswami, a passenger of the train which was hit by the railing.
The train was stopped at Lajpat Nagar and passengers were asked to evacuate. The Overhead Electrification had to be put off to remove the railing.
Initially, trains were being run in two loops – Nehru Place to Escorts Mujesar and again from Central Secretariat to Kashmere Gate. Operations on the Violet line that connects Kashmere Gate to Escort Mujesar were resumed partially around 5.45 pm when single line movement started between Nehru Place and Central Secretariat section. Single line service was also started between Nehru
“I was stuck at Moolchand metro station when the incident happened. All the trains were stopped while passengers waiting for the train were told to vacate the platform. I had to get out in the rain and booked a cab. It was a harrowing experience,” said Shalini Mathur, a marketing professional.
According to Delhi Metro officials, normal services on both lines resumed between Central Secretariat and Nehru Place section 6.47pm onwards. NEWDELHI: The rains on Thursday afternoon brought with it familiar problems of waterlogging and traffic congestions. Due to flooding, traffic was affected in at least 25 major stretches in the city, traffic police maintained.
The choked stretches included Ashram Chowk to Dhaula Kuan, Barapullah to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Bhairon Marg, Minto Road under bridge, Mandir Marg, Okhla Mandi, Aurobindo Chowk, Kautilya Marg, Bhagwan Das Road T-point, Mathura Road, Pul Prahladpur, Badarpur main road and the road opposite Supreme Court, traffic officials said.
“The situation was worst between Ashram Chowk and Dhaula Kuan, and Barapullah to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on the Ring Road. It took hours for the situation to stabilise. We passed on information of waterlogging to the PWD, NDMC and other agencies concerned,” said a traffic police official.
People were stuck in traffic for hours on the road connecting Kapashera with Dwarka (Sector 21) after a tree fell on the stretch. A PWD official said, “We received a complaint at 5 pm and immediately sent a team to the spot to clear out the stretch. At other vulnerable points, movable pumps were installed.”
Commuters, who were stuck in traffic, took to Twitter. “...Massive jam at Defence Colony Flyover. I have not seen a single traffic police cop on road to help commuters unlike in Mumbai...,” tweeted Sumit.
While the NDMC denied claims of streets under their jurisdiction being waterlogged, the SDMC reported waterlogging at four-five places such as Lajpat Nagar, East of Kailash and Madanpur Khadar.