Incident Overview:

In a rare and alarming incident, the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Double-Decker Express split into two near Surat, Gujarat, leaving passengers stranded for over two hours. The train, traveling towards Mumbai, encountered the issue near the Gothangam yard, situated between Sayan and Surat railway stations. The incident occurred at around 8:50 AM, involving the detachment of the 8th and 9th coaches due to a coupler malfunction.

Swift Response by Railways:

Western Railway officials quickly responded to the situation, ensuring that no injuries were reported. Restoration work began immediately after the incident. Both the front and rear sections of the train were brought back to the platform to facilitate the reattachment of the separated coaches. Despite the severity of the situation, the movement of other trains on the route remained largely unaffected, as up-trains continued to operate through the loop line.

Passenger Disruption and Recovery:

Passengers on the train faced significant delays, with restoration work being completed by 11:22 AM. The Western Railway assured that the situation was under control and that normal traffic on the UP main line resumed shortly after. The Railways also shared updates on social media to keep the public informed about the progress of the restoration.

Context and Future Measures:

This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks, especially on busy routes like the Ahmedabad-Mumbai corridor. The Western Railway had recently introduced a special train service between Ahmedabad and Mumbai to cater to the increased travel demand. Following this event, there may be increased scrutiny and additional safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.