On Tuesday afternoon, the Howrah-Patna Vande Bharat Express faced a significant technical problem relating to brakes, necessitating an unexpected stop at Durgapur Station in the Asansol division. The train, which had departed from the Howrah Station at its scheduled time of 3:50 pm, developed issues in its driving unit approximately fifty kilometers before reaching Durgapur.
Technical Malfunction Details
The issue was first noticed when the train’s engine started braking intermittently on its own. This unusual behavior led to the decision to halt the train at Durgapur for safety and further inspection. The exact nature of the fault within the driving unit was not specified, but it was serious enough to disrupt the usual operation and schedule of the express service.
Passenger Handling and Service Recovery
Eastern Railway authorities acted swiftly in response to the incident. By 17:30 hrs, all passengers were detrained at Durgapur Station. A new train with six 3AC and two 2AC coaches was arranged at Asansol, where passengers were transferred by 20:11 hrs. The replacement train ensured minimal disruption to the passengers’ travel plans.
Eastern Railway announced a full refund of fares to all affected passengers. Additionally, arrangements were made to provide dinner, showcasing the railways’ commitment to passenger comfort despite unforeseen circumstances.
The Howrah-Patna Vande Bharat Express resumed its journey with a new rake from Asansol later in the evening.
