The speeding goods train is parked at Uchi Bassi in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, India.

The speed of the train was reported over 100 km per hour, creating panic, officials said.

"The train laden with crusher stones was on a halt at Kathua station and it suddenly started running on tracks without a driver inside it.

"After starting the train, driver had gone somewhere, but he forgot to pull hand brake due to which it started moving on a sloppy track and gained speed.

"Railway staff from Dasuya stopped the train at Uchi Bassi by placing wooden blocks on the tracks and reduced its speed, averting a major accident.

"No damage was reported in the incident," officials said.

The train has been stopped near Dasua in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district after nearly 70 km of run without the driver.