India’s semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat, recently experienced a natural calamity on the Puri-Howrah route. A tree branch fell on the train’s windshield during a heavy rain and storm, breaking the glass. This accident is the latest in a series of unfortunate incidents involving the Vande Bharat train.
The incident occurred in Jajpur district of Odisha, between Baitarani Road and Manggi Road stations at around 4:45 pm. An official from the South Eastern Railway provided information about the incident. He reassured the public that no passengers were injured during the accident.
Effect on Train Operations
During the storm, branches not only damaged the windshield but also got stuck in the train’s pantograph, leading to the disconnection of power as it became entangled with the overhead wire. The pilot cabin’s glass was broken as a result of this natural mishap.
Restoration Plan and Continuation of Journey
According to an East Coast Railway official, plans are underway to take the train to another engine for necessary repairs. A diesel engine will haul the train to Mandvi Road station. From there, the train will proceed to its destination using its engine.
Recent Inauguration of the Route
Interestingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had just flagged off the Vande Bharat Express on the Howrah-Puri-Howrah route this past Thursday. Commercial operations started two days later, on Saturday. Despite its recent launch, the train has already encountered a natural calamity on its route.
News Recap:
- The Vande Bharat train suffered damage due to a natural calamity on the Puri-Howrah route when a tree branch fell on the windshield due to a storm.
- No passengers were injured during the incident, but the train’s pantograph got entangled with an overhead wire, disconnecting the power.
- Officials are planning to move the train to another engine for necessary repairs, and a diesel engine will haul it to Mandvi Road station.
- This incident occurred shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express on the Howrah-Puri-Howrah route
