A major railway accident was narrowly avoided near Nakraunda crossing between Doiwala and Harrawala after the alertness of a loco pilot prevented a potentially deadly situation. If the train had not been stopped in time, the lives of several commuters and schoolchildren could have been at serious risk.
According to railway sources, the incident occurred around 8:45 am when the Mussoorie Express was travelling from Delhi to Dehradun. After halting briefly at Doiwala station, the train proceeded towards Dehradun and was scheduled to pass through the Nakraunda level crossing. The loco pilot had received a manual green signal indicating that the crossing gate was closed and safe for the train to pass.
However, moments later, the gatekeeper unexpectedly opened the crossing gate, allowing vehicles to move across the tracks. At that time, more than 100 vehicles were waiting on both sides of the crossing, leading to chaos at the spot. Sensing the danger ahead, the loco pilot applied emergency brakes and stopped the train a short distance before the crossing, averting a major mishap.
Railway officials said the negligence could have resulted in a serious accident, especially as the incident occurred during school hours. A large number of schoolchildren were present near the crossing, increasing the risk of loss of life.
Following the incident, the railway administration suspended the gatekeeper with immediate effect and ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. Officials also confirmed that the Nakraunda crossing does not have an automatic signalling system and operates solely on manual signals, making strict adherence to safety protocols essential.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Moradabad Division, Aditya Gupta, said that the incident is being taken very seriously. He stated that such negligence is unacceptable as it directly endangers public safety, and strict action will be taken after a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, employees from the engineering wing alleged that some local residents had pressured the gatekeeper to open the gate due to prolonged waiting time. They claimed that people at the crossing created a ruckus, demanding the gate be opened as it remains closed for extended periods daily, causing inconvenience.
Railway authorities have directed concerned officers to assess all aspects of the incident and review safety arrangements at the crossing to prevent such lapses in the future.
