East Coast Railway (ECoR) strongly refuted reports of a near-collision between two MEMU trains in Cuttack district, confirming that train operations remained safe and uninterrupted.
Officials explained that Train No. 68407 Baleshwar–Bhubaneswar MEMU and Train No. 68413 Talcher–Puri MEMU were running under automatic block signalling. This system regulates train movement by maintaining a safe braking distance, ensuring smooth and secure operations.
Contrary to media claims, the trains were not face-to-face. Railway authorities clarified they were on the same track in a back-to-back arrangement, with the required safe distance maintained. Detention of one train behind another until the signal clears is routine practice in automatic signalling zones.
ECoR highlighted that MEMU trains are designed with driving cabs at both ends, which can sometimes create confusion about direction and positioning. Officials emphasised that such scenarios are part of normal railway functioning and do not indicate safety lapses.
The Railway Administration urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing reports, warning that unverified claims could cause unnecessary panic among passengers. ECoR reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and confirmed that all systems were functioning normally during the period in question.
