Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 3: In a strange incident, a train that was moving to Kerala from Ajmer did not stop at Byndoor railway station as per schedule. This faux pas happened on account of the forgetfulness of the train driver, it is said. As a result, 45 passengers who were waiting for the train at Byndoor station were left high and dry, gaping at the passing train without any clue about what was happening.

Over 45 pilgrims who had come from Kerala to pay obeisance at Goddess Mookambika temple at Kollur had done advance booking to return to their homes by Ajmer - Ernakulam Marusagar express train. The train was to arrive at Byndoor station at 4.40 pm on Saturday. Even as the passengers prepared to board the train after seeing it coming, the train moved ahead without stopping for them. The passengers immediately contacted the station officials and asked for alternative arrangements for them. They were then sent to Udupi by Karwar - Bengaluru train. Marusagar Express was stopped at Udupi. After the passengers from Byndoor station came and boarded it, Marusagar express began its onward journey from here.

Alternative arrangements: Railway offiicials felt that the driver of Marusagar express train would have forgotten the need to give a stop at Byndoor as the train was moving at high speed. They said that the driver realized his mistake after the train crossed the station, but could not stop it immediately in spite of his best efforts. He then stopped the train at Indrali station, Udupi, where the train awaited the arrival of passengers from Byndoor. There was no problem as all the passengers travelled to their destinations by the same train from Udupi, they clarified.