Chairman Satish Kumar mandates adherence to loading protocols to prevent freight train derailments.
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has directed all general managers and divisional railway managers to enforce strict loading and unloading procedures for BOBYN wagons, following multiple derailments linked to uneven loading. Since April 2023, six derailments involving these specialised wagons, used for track ballasting, have been reported, with all attributed to improper weight distribution.
BOBYN wagons, which transport crushed stones, require careful loading to ensure each of the four sections is evenly filled. Safety experts explain that any imbalance can compromise mechanical functions and increase derailment risk. Proper unloading, which involves synchronised door opening as the train moves slowly, is also critical to maintaining track stability.
Kumar has emphasised immediate repairs to wagon doors and regular checks on loading methods to address these issues. While cases of derailments from uneven loading are reportedly common, not all reach the Railway Board’s notice, highlighting the need for standardised safety practices across divisions.
