SCoR General Manager Recognizes Four Staff Members for Averting Rail Disasters
General Manager Sandeep Mathur presented the first-ever Safety Awards under the South Coast Railway zone to four vigilant employees. Their rapid reactions to mechanical failures and track defects prevented potential derailments and obstructions.
Inaugural Safety Honors for South Coast Railway
In a formal ceremony held in Visakhapatnam on July 28, 2026, South Coast Railway (SCoR) General Manager Sandeep Mathur presented Safety Awards to four employees for their exceptional vigilance. This event marks the first time such awards have been issued by the General Manager since the establishment of the SCoR zone. The recipients were recognized for identifying critical mechanical failures and track hazards that could have resulted in serious accidents.
Vigilance in Track and Rolling Stock Inspection
Maintenance and operational staff demonstrated high levels of awareness across several divisions during May and June 2026. Their actions highlight the importance of manual observation in modern rail safety.
- Shivam Dixit: On the night of June 15, 2026, this pointsman at Yerpedu Yard in the Guntakal Division discovered a weld crack and a slack fish plate on the Down Main Line. His immediate report allowed engineering teams to secure the track before further traffic passed.
- M. Ramesh Babu: As the station superintendent at Chirala, Babu noticed broken iron strips on a passing goods train on June 2, 2026. The strips were meant to secure iron coil rolls, and their failure posed a significant derailment risk. His intervention stopped the train at Vetapalem, clearing the danger to adjacent tracks.
Interventions During Live Operations
Two other awardees caught life-threatening defects while their own trains were in motion, demonstrating the constant scrutiny required of railway crews.
- M. Praveen Kumar: While operating Train No. B-15 on June 1, 2026, the senior assistant loco pilot spotted a red-hot wheel on a passing freight rake. He utilized his walkie-talkie to alert the opposing crew, leading to the discovery of a hot axle at Bantanahal.
- Ch. Ram Mohan Rao: On May 9, 2026, this train manager was working the Yesvantpur–Howrah Express when he identified a hot axle on a passing goods train. By informing the coaching controller and Vizianagaram station, he ensured the fault was corrected before a catastrophic failure occurred.
General Manager Sandeep Mathur praised the frontline staff, stating that their proactive approach and personal responsibility characterize the foundation of secure railway operations. He noted that their timely communication was the deciding factor in maintaining reliable service across the zone.
Source: The Hindu — News
