Mumbai: A major mishap was averted on Thursday near Thakurwadi when a banker locomotive that developed a brake issue while assisting a fully loaded goods train in the ghat section between Karjat and Bhivpuri was brought under control.A banker locomotive is an additional engine attached — usually at the rear — to push heavy freight trains up steep gradients such as the Karjat–Lonavala ghat. These helper engines provide extra traction and crucial braking support while negotiating steep inclines and sharp curves.
The train involved in the incident was a loaded freight rake, carrying heavy cargo. Such heavily loaded trains require banker assistance in ghat sections due to the challenging gradient.During the run, the train reportedly exceeded the prescribed speed after the banker locomotive developed a brake-related issue around 1.45 pm. However, the load was eventually brought to a complete halt between Karjat and Bhivpuri, averting what could have turned into a serious accident.Responding to the incident, Central Railway (CR) said, “The rake was found to be overspeeding. Two ghat driver crews were deployed along with one regular crew. An enquiry has been ordered.”All crew members — including the banker loco staff, the locomotive crew hauling the train, and the train manager — are safe. No major damage was reported.
