Bhubaneswar, January 18: Hundreds of weekend travellers travelling in a Amrit Bharat Express train found themselves stuck for around six minutes near Rajmahal Square, a few meters away from Bhubaneswar railway station, on Sunday due to an unusual blockade caused by a drunk youth.

The youth, was allegedly drunk when he sat on the railway track near Rajmahal Square bringing the train to a halt and creating panic among the passengers. The incident occurred when the train was approaching Bhubaneswar railway station.

On receiving information, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel rushed to the spot and took the intoxicated man into custody. The accused has been identified as P. Appana Rao.

According to an ECoR statement, the incident happened at 09:49 hours, while Train No. 02603 Rangapani-Nagarcoil Amrit Bharat Express was entering Bhubaneswar station.

“A 38-year-old man, Shri P. Appana Rao, S/o Purnima Gopal Rao, resident of Laxmisagar, Bhubaneswar, suddenly came in front of the moving train in an apparent suicide attempt. The on-duty Loco Pilot, demonstrating exceptional alertness, immediately applied emergency brakes and brought the train to a complete halt in Bhubaneswar Yard,” it said.

“Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and the Train Escorting Staff promptly reached the spot, took the person into custody, and shifted him to RPF Post, Bhubaneswar. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and is undergoing necessary procedural action,” it added

The ECoR statement said, “Due to the swift and professional response of the railway staff, the train was detained for only 6 minutes (from 09:39 hrs to 09:45 hrs), resulting in minimal disruption to services and passengers.”