Split-Second Decision Averts Major Train Mishap at Soro Station

Balasore, — A catastrophic train accident was narrowly avoided on Sunday evening at Soro railway station when two Shatabdi Express trains—Howrah–Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi and Howrah–Puri Shatabdi—came dangerously close to a head-on collision due to a signal conflict.

The Jan Shatabdi Express, scheduled to depart at 5:46 PM, was halted just in time after its signal turned red. Simultaneously, the Puri-bound Shatabdi was approaching the same station perimeter despite its track not being cleared.

Thanks to the alertness of the train driver and swift coordination by railway officials, the disaster was averted.

While passengers at the station panicked, most onboard remained unaware of the near miss. In response, the locomotive pilot, assistant pilot, and guard of the Jan Shatabdi Express were removed from duty pending investigation.

Senior railway officials have launched a probe to determine whether human error or procedural lapses caused the signal confusion.

Authorities confirmed that no passengers were harmed and that train operations resumed smoothly after the situation was brought under control.

Strict disciplinary action is expected following the inquiry’s findings, as the incident has raised serious concerns about operational safety and signal management across the network.