Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has instructed all general managers and divisional railway managers to strictly follow correct loading and unloading procedures for freight trains, aiming to reduce derailment risks. Kumar highlighted that six derailments of BOBYN wagons, used for carrying crushed stones for track ballasting, occurred between April 2023 and November 3, 2024, with uneven loading identified as the main cause.
The BOBYN wagons, designed as “box open both sides for ballast unloading,” are divided into four sections. Safety experts explain that each section should be equally filled with crushed stones to maintain balance, and during unloading, all four doors should open simultaneously to allow an even spread of stones along the track as the train moves at a slow speed. Uneven loading, where one side holds more weight, can disrupt mechanical and safety functions, posing derailment risks.
Railway officials noted that door malfunctions during movement often lead to improper unloading, causing imbalance. Some experts also point to design and mechanical issues that may contribute to these problems. Kumar urged senior officials to prioritize door repairs and safety checks to address these concerns.
Sources within the railway divisions acknowledged that derailments from uneven loading occur frequently, though not all incidents reach the Railway Board’s attention.