New Vande Bharat train hits cattle in Gujarat, damaged

The incident occurred between Gairatpur and Vatva stations in Gujarat

Nearly a week after the new Vande Bharat train between Mumbai Central and Gandhinagar was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the train suffered minor damages on Thursday morning after it hit cattle on tracks in Gujarat.

The incident occurred at 11:18 a.m. between Gairatpur and Vatva stations.

“Three-four buffaloes suddenly came on the way of the Mumbai-Gandhinagar Vande Bharat, damaging the train’s nose made up of FRP [fibre-reinforced plastic]. However, no functional part got damaged,” a Railway official said.

The official said the carcasses were removed and the train resumed its journey within eight minutes and reached on time at Gandhinagar.

The Railways is trying to counsel villagers not to leave cattle nearby tracks, the official added.

Sumit Thakur, chief public relations officer (CPRO), WR, told PTI the train was running as per the sanctioned speed on the section when the buffaloes suddenly came on the tracks.

"The driver of the train was fully alert. He immediately blew the train's whistle and also applied brakes, but the reaction time was less," Mr. Thakur said.