Runaway Speed on Khandala Ghat: Central Railway Orders Probe After Freight Train Overshoots Limit | Watch Video
Runaway Speed on Khandala Ghat: Central Railway Orders Probe After Freight Train Overshoots Limit | Watch Video
Rail traffic along the busy Mumbai–Pune corridor witnessed a serious scare on Thursday afternoon after a goods train hurtled down the steep Khandala Ghat stretch at a speed higher than permitted, triggering an internal investigation by the Central Railway (CR).
The freight train, comprising nearly 50 wagons and powered by five locomotives, was descending the challenging ghat section from Lonavala toward Karjat. The incident occurred between Palasdari and Karjat at approximately 1:40 pm on February 26. Officials confirmed that the train was clocked at 75 kmph — well above the prescribed speed limit of 60 kmph for that stretch.
The Khandala Ghat, located along the Mumbai–Pune route, is regarded as one of the steepest railway gradients in the country, requiring heightened vigilance and coordinated braking. According to railway authorities, two specialised ghat driver crews along with one regular crew were assigned to operate the train. Despite this, preliminary findings suggest that the crew was unable to adequately regulate the train’s speed while negotiating the downhill section.
Sources indicated that a trainee loco pilot was at the controls during the descent. Although the situation raised alarm, the crew ultimately managed to bring the train to a halt between Karjat and Bhivpuri, averting what could have escalated into a far more dangerous episode.
The rake was later moved to Chowk railway station for a technical inspection. Railway officials reported that a thorough brake examination revealed no mechanical faults. With the braking system functioning normally, investigators are examining whether operational lapses contributed to the overspeeding.
SAFETY LAPSE! Banker locos go bonkers. Loaded freight train on the roll on the gradient between Palasdari and Karjat. Central Railway orders inquiry. pic.twitter.com/zyfoY5rXwi
— Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) February 26, 2026
Videos of the speeding train quickly circulated on social media, intensifying public concern over railway safety on critical mountain sections. A senior Central Railway official termed the episode a “major safety lapse” and confirmed that a formal inquiry has been initiated to determine accountability and prevent recurrence.
As the probe progresses, railway authorities are expected to scrutinize crew coordination, adherence to safety protocols, and supervisory oversight on one of India’s most demanding rail gradients. The outcome of the investigation will likely shape further safety measures on the high-traffic Mumbai–Pune route, where precision and discipline remain paramount.
