Jalgaon Train Mishap: What Is 'Brake Binding,' Suspected Cause Of 'Faulty' Fire In Pushpak Express?

Jalgaon Train Mishap: At least eight people have died after passengers of the Pushpak Express were run over by the Karnataka Express in Jalgaon District.

Officials report that the passengers were outside their coaches, believing there was a fire in the train. Railway personnel and other staff have arrived at the scene and rescue ops are taking place.

"Preliminary information reveals that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak Express due to either 'hot axle' or 'brake-binding' (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks. At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track," a senior railway official told PTI.

What is brake binding?

Sometimes, the brake on the train's wheels do not release, and when the locomotive starts moving, this causes friction and eventually smoke rises. Passengers travelling on the train often panic when they see smoke emanating, confusing it for a fire, which often causes a commotion. However, this is a normal occurrence, and there is no need to panic. The smoke is caused due to the brake sticking to the wheel, which is easily resolved.

How is brake binding fixed?

Brake binding, in simple terms, is when the brake gets stuck to the wheels of the locomotive. The loco pilot or the guard, upon noticing this, goes to the wheel where the brake is stuck and releases the vacuum. Once the vacuum is released, the brake moves back to its default position, and the wheel becomes free to roll. This process takes around 10 to 15 minutes to fix.

Trains use vacuum pressure to apply brakes

The loco pilot in the train applies the brake lever from the engine, and gradually the train comes to a halt. In trains, brakes are applied using vacuum pressure. Just like regular vehicles have brake shoes to apply brakes, trains have a metal brake that works on the iron wheels. This brake, through vacuum pressure, halts the train's wheels.

What do railway officials say?

Saket Ranjan, the Chief Public Relations Officer of South East Central Railway, explains that "brake binding is a common issue in trains, and it is fixed quickly. The train has a metal brake shoe, and when this issue occurs, friction causes smoke to rise. As soon as the vacuum is released, everything returns to normal." Ranjan refers to brake binding as a minor issue and assured that passengers need not panic.

Needless to say, the horrific accident that took place in Jalgaon has to be thoroughly investigated. Whether it was a 'faulty' fire caused by hot axle or brake binding, the Railways should reveal details of the probe so as to avoid such gut-wrenching mishaps in future.

(With PTI inputs)