Tamil NaduSaturday, 4 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Locopilots stop wrong-route train in Chennai Division after Arakkonam routing error
On June 28, 2026, locopilots stopped Train No. 17654 Puducherry-Kacheguda Express after it was routed onto the wrong track near Arakkonam.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On June 28, 2026, in Chennai Division, locopilots stopped Train No. 17654 Puducherry-Kacheguda Express near Arakkonam after it was found to be moving on the wrong track with about 900 passengers on board.
Key specifics
- The train had departed Arakkonam railway station and was cleared towards Renigunta, but the point was set for the Katpadi line.
- The locopilots used wireless communication, alerted the Station Manager, and rolled the train back to Arakkonam.
- The incident occurred during ongoing manual operation of signals and points in the section.
- Southern Railway had completed the multi-crore remodelling of the Arakkonam yard project on the same day, according to the report.
- The Arakkonam-Katpadi section is part of the busy Chennai-Bengaluru sector, and an investigation has been ordered.
Exam lens
Question type: Railway safety and current affairs, Arakkonam yard, point-and-signal error, Chennai Division, 900 passengers; TNPSC may ask why wrong routing is dangerous and which section connects Chennai and Bengaluru.