LUDHIANA, June 6, 2026 : A major railway mishap was narrowly averted on Saturday when a sleeper coach of the Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special Train developed a structural crack and partially separated shortly after departing from Ludhiana Railway Station, causing panic among passengers.
According to railway officials, the S-2 sleeper coach suffered a structural failure near the toilet section, resulting in a portion of the coach body caving in as the train began moving out of the station.
The damage caused toilet fixtures, including seats and fittings, to detach and fall onto the railway tracks. Despite the alarming incident, no injuries were reported among passengers or railway staff.
Passengers onboard said they experienced a sudden and violent jolt moments after the train started moving, leading many to fear a derailment.
“The shock was so intense that several passengers immediately rushed out of the coach, fearing something serious had happened,” eyewitnesses said.
Railway authorities responded swiftly, with emergency teams and officials reaching the spot soon after the incident was reported. Passengers from the affected coach were safely evacuated, and the damaged coach was detached from the train as a precautionary measure.
Ludhiana Station Director Aditya said that a replacement coach was arranged and attached to the train, enabling it to continue its journey to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra without any significant delay.
Railway officials have ordered a detailed inquiry to determine the exact cause of the structural failure and identify any lapses in maintenance or inspection procedures.
Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Government Railway Police), Tejpal Singh, said preliminary investigations have ruled out any signs of sabotage or foul play.
“Initial findings suggest that the incident occurred due to a technical defect in the coach structure. There is no evidence indicating sabotage,” he said.
Officials noted that the outcome could have been far more serious had the coach suffered the failure while the train was running at high speed.
The incident has raised concerns regarding coach safety and maintenance standards, prompting authorities to undertake a thorough examination of the affected coach and review inspection protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Railway authorities assured passengers that all necessary safety measures are being taken and that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to establish accountability and strengthen operational safety.
