According to Kumar, there have
been six cases of derailment of BOBYN wagons between April 2023 and November 3,
2024, and in all these cases uneven loading was found to be the cause of
derailments. BOBYN, which stands for
‘box open both sides for ballast unloading’, is a special type of wagon used
for track ballasting and to carry crushed stones.Safety experts say that
each BOBYN wagon is divided into four sections and each section is supposed to
be equally filled with crushed stones. “Not
only that, these stones are released by opening four doors at the same time
while the freight train moves at a slow speed so that the crushed stones fall
along the track to be used as ballast,” an expert said.
He added, “When the load of crushed stones is heavier on one side as
compared to the other, it becomes uneven loading. Uneven loading impacts
several mechanical as well as safety functions and it carries a risk for safe
train operations.”
Railway officials said that
often the doors don’t open properly while the train moves resulting in uneven
loading that causes derailment.
A section of experts also flag design as well as mechanical flaws as one
of the reasons for uneven loading or unloading causing derailments Kumar has
asked senior railway officials to follow proper procedures, including repair of
doors, and pay immediate attention to safety mechanisms.
Railway sources in various divisions said that derailments due to uneven
loading is not uncommon, however, all cases don’t come to the knowledge of the
Railway Board.