A MAJOR rail mishap was narrowly averted at Bhilai-3 Railway Station on Wednesday evening after a three-seater metal bench reportedly fell onto the railway track moments before the Gondia–Jharsuguda Passenger train was scheduled to depart. Prompt intervention by railway officials ensured the obstruction was removed in time, preventing any untoward incident. According to the information, the incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. amid strong winds and heavy rainfall. The metal bench, which was allegedly not securely grouted to the platform surface, was dislodged by the storm and fell onto the track.

 

As soon as the incident came to the notice of railway authorities, officials rushed to the spot and immediately removed the bench from the track. The train was temporarily detained as a precaution, and normal operations resumed shortly thereafter with minimal disruption to rail traffic. SECR Raipur Division DRM Dayanand confirmed that timely action by railway personnel averted the mishap. He said instructions have been issued to inspect and reinforce the grouting of platform benches across the division to prevent similar incidents in the future. Railway authorities have also ordered a comprehensive safety review of platform infrastructure and other vulnerable installations to identify and eliminate potential hazards, particularly during adverse weather conditions.