Drivers who saved lives awarded

New Delhi: The railways on Saturday felicitated two drivers of the Nagpur-Mumbai Duronto Express for their alertness and exemplary dedication to duty in hours of crisis which helped save many lives.

The engine and nine coaches of the train had derailed between Vasind and Asangaon stations in Maharashtra on August 29 following a landslide, the fourth derailment in 10 days.

Acknowledging their presence of mind and the services rendered on the day of the accident, Railway board chairman Ashwani Lohani said, "They (the drivers) displayed sincerity, dedication and performed like true railwaymen. And, we therefore recognise their services".

Loco pilot mail Virendra Singh (52) and assistant loco pilot Abhay Kumar Pal (32), both employed with the central railway, were felicitated by Lohani in the presence of various senior officials and engineers of the national transporter.

The drivers showed exemplary dedication to duty and displayed alertness and presence of mind, resulting in saving of hundreds of passengers by controlling the speed of the train, read the appreciation letter handed over to the drivers.