Navi Mumbai: Day after AC coach service starts, toy train engine derails

NAVI MUMBAI: A day after the AC coach service on the toy train between Neral and Matheran hill station started, the engine derailed on Sunday, around 2km after it had crossed Jumma Patti station.

The train that was loaded to capacity had started its return journey from Matheran around 2.45pm. The derailment took place around 5.10pm, leading to termination of the service midway. There were no casualties.



According to locals, two other train services were cancelled due to the incident. Sources said passengers felt a slight impact of the derailment.

A Neral station official, requesting anonymity, said, “The train had 90 second class and 16 first class passengers on board. A rear wheel of the six-coach 404 series engine was derailed. No one was injured.”

The official added, “Passengers were refunded their fare (Rs 415 for first class AC and Rs 75 for second class).” Passengers had to subsequently board taxis to reach their destination.

Matheran TTE (travelling ticket examiner) RR Choudhary said, “We are unable to understand the reason behind incidents of derailment. Even after various activities of track repair and engine upgrade, such derailments occur. Taxi operators have been alerted to reach out to passengers whenever such incidents occur.”

A taxi operator, Pravin Polkam said, “The train derailed around 2km after it had crossed the Jumma Patti station. The location was difficult to track and, hence, I turned back halfway.”