Two locos derail, hit train services

CHENNAI: An error committed by the pilot of a loco, which was towing another locomotive, caused derailment near the Egmore Railway Station, leading to disruptions to the south-bound long distance train services from Chennai, on Tuesday evening.The Loco Pilot had reportedly crossed the danger signal that had resulted in derailment of both the locomotives bound for the AC Loco Shed at Royapuram around 6 pm. “Prima facie it appears like that. But, evidence must be established in this regard,” a senior official from Southern Railway told Express.According to railway sou-rces, two loco engines were proceeding towards the AC Loco Shed at Royapuram in the evening. When the locos were heading towards the Egmore Railway Station it got derailed while attempting to crossover an intersection.This affected the movement of long distance train services to the south from the Chennai Egmore Railway Station, delaying departures between 30 and 60 minutes and inconveniencing passengers.Apparently, the suburban commuters who depended on Fast Electric Multiple Units (EMU) to reach their destination were also hit, as the trains were operated on the slow line due to restoration work being carried out on the affected line. A frequent commuter hailing from Urapakkam claimed that the Fast EMU between Chennai Beach and Tirumalpur via Kanchipuram was operated as a local train. “The fast train would reach Urappakam in 40 minutes from Egmore. But, today it took 25 minutes more, thanks to its diversion to the slow line,” he added.