Walking down a railway line due to power cut?

[JBR]

Last steam train ran in 2000, only heritage lines have them now, when I first visited in 84 there were lots, traveled from Delhi to Jaipur on a steam hauled sleeper

edit : Steam was in regular use in Zimbabwe, due to the cheap coal. Bulawayo to Vic Falls was often steam hauled in the 90s, mainly tourist trips now I believe

That's interesting. Is it true that India no longer routinely uses steam engines for regular transport?

 

[ericmark]

A steam train on a heritage line blows it whistle at every crossing, and one is left quite sure when the steam train is coming, but maintenance is normally done with diesel engines, horns sound like any wagon, and very easy to get caught unawares, electric at least with no power you know they are not moving, but what about and diesel sent to rescue it?

Our diesel used to rescue trains is quite a beast. The view from Welshpool is rather restricted, any trespassers on the line could be easily missed. The old sugar diesel behind it, in comparison, has an excellent view. I have walked the line, armed with a radio, and the signal box was well aware of where I was. But there is no hard shoulder on a railway, and there is rather a large trip hazard in the form of sleepers.

 

[crystal ball]

That's interesting. Is it true that India no longer routinely uses steam engines for regular transport?

Yes, according to Wiki, I was there in 23, never saw one, diesel or electric was all

 

[plugwash]

Plus a minimum number of staff required to safely guide all passengers away from any dangerous detraining procedures.

The reality is that there are 12 car trains running through London with a single staff member on-board. They may be able to encourage passengers to stay on board for a while but in the event of a grid collapse I suspect the passengers patience to run out before staff can arrange a "safe" evacuation for all the affected trains.