Truck on tracks: Government Railway Police arrests driver in Bengaluru | Bengaluru News

Around 8.30pm, the Heavy Goods Vehicle (KA02AE9110) trespassed on the railway tracks between Carmelaram and Heelalige railway stations.

BENGALURU: The Government Railway Police (GRP) on Tuesday arrested the driver of a truck that was abandoned on the railway tracks near Hebbagodi between Heelalige and Carmelaram in Bengaluru and was hit by Mayiladuthurai Express on Monday evening.
Around 8.30pm, the Heavy Goods Vehicle (KA02AE9110) trespassed on the railway tracks between Carmelaram and Heelalige railway stations.
A major accident was averted after the loco pilot of train 06232 Mysuru – Mayiladuthurai Express noticed the truck and applied emergency brakes. However, the locomotive hit the truck, but there were no injuries or casualties.
Byappanahalli railway police said the suspect was supposed to move on a railway under bridge (RUB), but found it filled with rain water. So, he took a diversion and tried to cross the railway track at a closed crossing. But the vehicle got stuck on track resulting in the accident.
“It was a railway crossing, which was closed for nearly eight years. The suspect thought he could easily drive the vehicle across the track. The truck was stuck on the track and he fled the spot after noticing that a train was approaching,” a police officer said.
Police said that they have identified the owner of the vehicle with the help of its registration number. Based on the information provided by the vehicle owner, police identified the driver and arrested him by evening.
No foul play, sabotage as per initial enquiry
“There is no foul play or sabotage as per initial inquiry,” said a SWR official. Though it was an old railway level crossing, which was closed several years ago, sources said there were no fencing or vertical posts to restrict vehicles or trespassers.
The driver who might have used this road earlier entered the railway track by Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Shyam Singh told TOI: “This is a clear case of trespassing. This level crossing was closed in 2013. The driver used an illegal way and accessed it. It’s not possible for 100% fencing but there is no flaw on the part of the railways. We will create awareness among people not to trespass on railway properties.”
Meanwhile, Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprises (K-RIDE) is now taking up the doubling work on the 48-km Byappanahalli-Hosur corridor. It is also investigating whether the truck belongs to any contractor involved in the doubling work. Amit Garg, MD of K-RIDE was not available for comments.