Amaravati: Two Vande Bharat Express trains narrowly avoided major accidents in separate incidents reported from Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, raising renewed concerns over railway track safety.
In the first incident, the Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express collided with an ox near Tallapusalapalli railway station earlier in the day. The impact killed the animal instantly and caused significant damage to the train’s front engine. The train was halted for a brief period before railway officials arrived at the scene, assessed the situation, and cleared it to proceed.
Later in the day, another Vande Bharat train travelling from Vijayawada to Chennai struck a dog near the Fire Office gate in Chirala, Bapatla district. The collision triggered the train’s automatic air brakes, bringing it to an abrupt halt. Railway staff reached the spot, conducted necessary repairs, and the train resumed its journey after some delay.
The twin incidents have brought attention to the recurring issue of animal intrusions on railway tracks, especially involving high-speed trains. Similar incidents have previously been reported in states such as Gujarat, Telangana, and Bihar. While Indian Railways has taken measures like installing fences along tracks and launching awareness campaigns among local communities, the frequency of such occurrences remains a concern.
Following Sunday’s events, railway authorities have initiated detailed inquiries into both incidents. Officials are reportedly reviewing additional safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future, with experts urging stricter implementation of fencing and increased vigilance along vulnerable stretches.