A freight train derailment in the Agra rail division on February 28 has triggered a blame game among various railway departments, though all agree that overheating of an axle bearing caused the incident.
The coal-loaded 59-wagon freight train, originating from Odisha and bound for Ambala, derailed near Mania railway station under the Agra division. Officials said the train had passed Dholpur about 20 minutes before the derailment while traveling from Jhansi to Agra. Although the derailment occurred on the third line, it disrupted operations for several hours, affecting both passenger and goods trains.
A preliminary probe by a five-member team from the Agra division concluded that the overheating of the axle bearing on one wagon was the primary cause. However, disagreements arose over departmental responsibility.
Four members of the panel held the Coach and Wagon (C&W) Department accountable for maintenance lapses. The C&W representative, in turn, blamed the Mechanical Department for the hot axle, the Traffic Department, and the Engineering Department for delays to other trains.
The officer also criticized staff along the route—including the train guard, gatemen, pointmen, and the deputy station superintendent—for failing to detect smoke from the defective wagon. He further pointed to the Jhansi rail division, arguing that the wagon’s deterioration could not have occurred over just a few kilometers of travel and alleging negligence by its staff.
Other panel members disputed claims that only the C&W Department was responsible. They noted that level crossings between Dholpur and Mania were on the opposite side, making it difficult for gate staff to spot smoke. They also questioned the claim that the train had traveled 30–40 km after the axle began overheating, citing lack of evidence.
Enroute staff stated in written submissions that they did not notice any smoke. The train guard confirmed that he instructed the loco pilot to stop the train upon detecting smoke, only to discover that one of the wagons had derailed.
The derailment resulted in an estimated loss of over ₹30 lakh to the Railways and caused delays to several passenger and freight trains.
