Gateman fails to give signal to train in Mayurbhanj after falling asleep, suspended

A major accident was averted due to the prompt action of the driver as a level-crossing gateman employed with the Indian Railways allegedly fell asleep on duty, thus failing to show signal to the train at Jugupura railway station in Mayurbhanj district on Wednesday.

The gateman identified as Ratnakar Mahanta has been suspended for dereliction of duty following the incident.

As per reports, Bangiriposi-Rupsa DMU reached Jugupura railway station at 9 am on Wednesday. Ratnakar was on duty during that period. Though the gates on both sides of the level crossing were closed, the gateman was absent on his duty. There was nobody at the station to give signal to the train by showing the green flag.

Following the development, one of the loco pilots halted the train at the station and rushed to the spot only to find to his utter dismay that the gateman on duty was asleep. Then he woke up the gateman and gave signal to the train himself by showing the green flag. Subsequently, the other loco pilot drove the train.

As per the Section Engineer of Rupsa station Gopabandhu Sethi, the gateman has been suspended for dereliction of duty. However, the comments of the suspended gateman could not be obtained. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.

“The gateman has been suspended. Following a proper inquiry into the incident, further information could be divulged,” said Sethi.

(Reported by Maniklal Pani)