A major train accident was avoided near Panchdamia Ghataro Halt in Vaishali district on Sunday morning. The Koderma-Vaishali train number 63383 had to be stopped by the loco pilot after seeing railway gate 8C/E open for road traffic. The incident took place at around 6:15 AM on April 5, 2026, when the safety of hundreds of passengers was put at risk due to staff negligence.
How did the incident happen at Panchdamia Ghataro Halt?
The Vaishali-Koderma Fast Passenger train was approaching the railway gate when the loco pilot noticed the gate was not closed. Reports indicate that the gatekeeper, Divyanshu Kumar, arrived 15 minutes late for his duty, which resulted in the gate remaining open. Seeing the danger, the loco pilot applied brakes and stopped the train just in time. Two railway employees had to get down from the train to manually close the gate before the journey could continue.
What action has the railway department taken?
Railway officials have taken strict action following the reports of negligence at the crossing. PWI Pramod Kumar confirmed that gatekeeper Divyanshu Kumar has been suspended with immediate effect. According to railway safety protocols, every train is expected to ensure the gate is closed before passing during early morning hours. The alertness of the loco pilot is being credited for preventing a potential collision with vehicles on the tracks.
- Location: Railway Gate 8C/E, Panchdamia Ghataro Halt, Vaishali
- Train Number: 63383 (Koderma-Vaishali)
- Time of Incident: April 5, 2026, at 6:15 AM
- Official Action: Gatekeeper Divyanshu Kumar suspended
