Three days after seven coaches of a Virar-bound train derailed near Vile Parle, the railways will conduct an ultrasonic test on the broken axle of the coach that is suspected to have caused the mishap. This test will reveal whether there was any flaw in the manufacturing of the axle. It will reveal whether the axle was made according to specifications of the Research, Design and Standards Organization.
The test will further clear the air over whether the axle broke due to the derailment or whether the derailment took place place due to its breaking. So far, it was believed that the accident was caused after the axle broke.
A source said that the chief manager of Parel workshop could give details of the production date of the axle to the commissioner of railway safety on Monday. An inquiry has already begun to ascertain the cause of the derailment.
A senior official said that a scratch mark has been seen on the wheel. “This is possibly a result of the broken axle coming in contact with the wheel before causing derailment,” said this official.