Kochi: Train operations through the Aluva stretch were disrupted after a locomotive derailed at Kalamassery on Friday evening. No casualties have been reported, officials confirmed. The locomotive collided with an electric pole after derailing during shunting operations around 2.50 pm. A major tragedy was averted as no other trains were passing through the section at the time.

Currently, the Eranad Express to Thiruvananthapuram and the Guruvayur–Ernakulam passenger train are halted at Aluva and Angamaly railway stations, respectively. The Thiruvananthapuram North–Indore Weekly Express has been delayed by one hour and 30 minutes.

Southern Railway has announced that the train services are expected to be restored by 5.30 pm.

“A shunting locomotive suffered a failure at the Kalamassery yard during shunting operations. Restoration activities are in full swing, and top priority is being accorded to ensure the smooth movement of all train services. Complete restoration is expected by 17.30 hrs,” the Railways said in a communiqué.

Nearly 50 workers are on the scene to remove the locomotive from the track. 

During the restoration work, services were permitted on a single line of the Ernakulam-Thrissur route, a Southern Railways official said.

"First, the Vande Bharat train was allowed to pass, and thereafter other trains were cleared on a priority basis," the official added.

Visuals shown on television indicated that the locomotive had slightly derailed from the track.