Train movement along a stretch in north Bengal was affected for nearly three hours from 10pm on Monday night as a loco hauling a goods container train developed a technical glitch.

Sources in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said that while the train was heading towards New Jalpaiguri, the loco suffered an axle lock between the Ambari Falakata and Belakoba stations, both in Jalpaiguri district.

The driver halted the train. Railway officials were informed. Around 10pm, a team of engineers and railwaymen rushed to the spot.

“They identified the problem and engaged jacks and other necessary equipment to lift the engine. As a result, train movement along the down track (used for trains moving towards NJP from Guwahati) stopped,” said a source.

Two important trains, the Guwahati-NJP Vande Bharat Express and the Lohit Express bound for Jammu Tawi, were halted at the Belakoba station.

“As the parallel pair of tracks was functional, these trains were steered on that stretch after some time. A loco was engaged from NJP to haul the goods train and after around two-and-a-half hours, regular train movement resumed along the tracks,” the source added.