08 July,2016 05:05 PM IST | | Shashank Rao
Minutes before officials were to tell the Indian Railways’ engineering head how well the trains and tracks were running, an engine derailment near CST exposed the reality
Yesterday, Central Railway got a taste of what it's like for thousands of frustrated commuters every time there is a technical failure in services.
The department was trying to impress Indian Railways Board Member (Engineering), AK Mittal, who had come to Mumbai to take stock of the condition of tracks and development projects.
Instead, CR officials were left red-faced after the engine of a long-distance train derailed due to a technical snag.
Since Mittal is one of the officers who directly report to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, CR was hoping to tell him that the trains and tracks here are in the pink of health. But, before the meeting could start, the engine of Mumbai-
Bengaluru Udyan Express derailed at around 8.14 am, soon after it left Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).
"The local railway authorities are looking into the incident. The reason behind the accident will be known after the investigation," Mittal told mid-day.
CR sources said officials immediately rushed to the spot. "This was an embarrassing situation. On the one hand, we were trying to showcase the developments that have taken place and give Mittal an update on the ongoing projects, while on the other hand, this derailment exposed the situation," said a railway official.
After the derailment, they used another engine to reverse the coaches back to the platform, while passengers were given food packets, snacks, tea and bottled water.
