Wed Dec 24 06:54:36 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

A Vande Bharat Express train traveling from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram struck an overturned autorickshaw on the tracks near Akathumuri railway station on December 23, 2025. No one was injured, but the train was delayed for over an hour. The autorickshaw driver, found nearby intoxicated, admitted to losing control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn onto the tracks. Train services were temporarily disrupted, and the Vande Bharat Express resumed its journey after repairs.

News Article:

Vande Bharat Express Hits Overturned Autorickshaw in Kerala, No Injuries Reported

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – December 24, 2025 – A Vande Bharat Express train en route from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram struck an overturned autorickshaw near the Akathumuri railway station in Varkala on Tuesday night, December 23rd. While the train sustained minor damage, there were no injuries reported among the passengers.

According to Southern Railways officials, train number 20633, the Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express, collided with the unattended three-wheeler around 10:10 p.m. Upon noticing the obstruction, the loco pilot immediately initiated emergency braking but was unable to prevent the collision. The autorickshaw was dragged several meters along the track.

Authorities later apprehended the autorickshaw driver nearby. The driver, found to be intoxicated, confessed to losing control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn onto the tracks near the second platform. Police do not believe that it was a deliberate act of sabotage.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF), engineering personnel, and local police swiftly arrived at the scene to remove the damaged vehicle from the tracks. Train operations were temporarily suspended, causing delays for other services.

The Vande Bharat Express resumed its journey at approximately 11:15 p.m. after a delay of over an hour and reached Thiruvananthapuram Central Station at 11:50 p.m. The train departed on its return journey this morning after minor repairs were completed. Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing.

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