Railways imposes speed limit for EMUs

Motormen piloting the EMUs on the suburban corridors have been instructed to maintain the speed at 30kmph at places where the standard moving distance (distance between centre of the train and nearest obstacle along the track) was close to exceeding the norms, railway sources in the know revealed to DT Next.

The speed restriction has been given effect to from early this week, after four passengers travelling on footboard aboard Chengalpattu-bound EMU died after they hit a concrete wall at St Thomas Mount station on July 24.

The division has taken measurements on the suburban routes to identify possible infringements that could jeopardise passenger safety. Other than the fatal spots at St Thomas Mount and Elephant Gate stations, infringements have also been spotted between Villivakkam and Perambur stations. “Right now, we have been instructed to regulate speed at spots identified during the saety audit conducted after the last month’s fatal accident. The division could identify newer infringements and impose elaborate operational restrictions shortly,” a motorman requesting anonymity said.

The Division has already suspended operation of EMUs on fast line since the incident, which necessitated a fresh safety review (the last safety audit was done on July 3) of the suburban sector. After demolishing a concrete wall along the fast line at Puzhuthivakkam station, authorities were learnt to have suggested a minor realignment of tracks at St Thomas Mount station where the barrier had claimed seven lives in 12 hours last month. 

If sources are to be believed, the platform width would be reduced by three feet and the track moved its existing position a bit to increase the standard moving distance at St Thomas Mount Station. Divisional railway manager Naveen Gulati had already suggested ‘modification’ to the concrete barriers to prevent untoward incidents like last month.