A major train disaster was averted by the alert driver of the Nilgiris Mountain Rail (NMR) today, when he brought the train to a halt after noticing a landslide on the track near Hillgrove station.

The landslide occurred between Aderley and Hillgrove Stations, resulting in the collapse of mud and bounders on the tracks. The train had, as usual, started its journey to Udhagamandalam from Mettupalayam at 7.10 AM.

The engine driver spotted the landslide in advance and stopped the train. Workers in the train, along with some passengers, cleared the debris and the train resumed its journey.