No security breach at Chirakkal gate, says DRM

The Palakkad Railway Division has denied media reports claiming that there was a “narrowly averted major accident” at the Arpamthodu railway gate near Chirakkal railway station, Kannur on Sunday, which was allegedly due to negligence on the part of the porter.

Divisional Railway Manager Madhukar Roat said that the Mangaluru-Chennai mail (train no. 12602) stopped before the signal at the level crossing as it was not cleared. Some reports claimed that the doorman, Rajesh Kavalan, left the gate open because he was under the influence of alcohol, prompting locals to alert others and stop the road traffic, preventing a possible accident.

Mr Roat said the train stopped at a red signal and the signal was only released after the barrier was closed, after which the train continued. He said that all the 122 level crossing barriers in Palakkad division are blocked, which ensures that trains cannot pass when the barriers are open. In this case, too, the system worked as designed and the train stopped at the signal, he said. “There was no dangerous situation for road users,” he said.

Mr Roat added that disciplinary action had been taken against the porter for breach of duty. He said the division conducts regular safety drives and provides guidance to staff at level crossings and stations.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 21:40 IST