Sabarmati Express derails in UP, 20 coaches affected.
In the early hours of Saturday, the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed near Kanpur railway station in Uttar Pradesh, according to a Railway Board official. At least 20 coaches of the train went off the tracks, causing significant disruption. Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the site to assess the situation and provide assistance. The cause of the derailment is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.
In the early hours of Saturday, a significant incident involving the Sabarmati Express passenger train occurred near Kanpur railway station in Uttar Pradesh. The derailment, which happened at around 2:30 a.m., involved at least 20 coaches of the train as it was traveling from Varanasi Junction to Ahmedabad. The incident has disrupted rail services in the region, causing cancellations and diversions of multiple trains.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. The Railway Board official noted that while the derailment was severe, the passengers were unharmed. This outcome has been a relief to all involved, given the magnitude of the derailment. The police confirmed that there were no injuries among the passengers, and a thorough inspection of the train corroborated this. Emergency response teams, including fire trucks and ambulances, were immediately dispatched to the scene to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all passengers.
The derailment was caused by the train striking a boulder on the tracks. This impact led to the derailment of the coaches, though the exact sequence of events leading up to the accident is still under investigation by railway authorities.
In response to the incident, the Railways has made several arrangements to assist the stranded passengers. Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the North Central Railway Zone, under which the accident site falls, stated that buses were arranged to transport passengers from the accident site to the Kanpur Railway Station. From there, further arrangements were made to ensure that the passengers could reach their respective destinations safely.
In addition to the buses, an eight-coach MEMU train was dispatched from Kanpur to the accident site. This train was specifically sent to bring the stranded passengers back to Kanpur, where they could be accommodated and provided with further transportation. A special train is also being arranged to carry the passengers onward from Kanpur to their final destinations. The quick response by the railway authorities in organizing these transportation options has been crucial in managing the aftermath of the derailment.
The derailment has also led to significant disruptions in the rail network in the area. According to the Railways, seven trains have been canceled, and three others have been diverted to alternate routes to avoid the accident site. The cancellations and diversions have affected many passengers, and efforts are being made to inform and assist those whose travel plans have been disrupted.
The Railways has also issued several helpline numbers for passengers and their families to obtain information and assistance. These helplines are available across various locations, including Prayagraj, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Etawah, Tundla, Ahmedabad, Banaras City, and Gorakhpur. In addition, the Jhansi Rail Division has released specific helpline numbers for stations such as Virangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi Junction), Orai, Banda, and Lalitpur Junction. These helplines are intended to provide timely information and support to those affected by the derailment and the subsequent disruption in services.
The derailment of the Sabarmati Express has once again highlighted the importance of safety and vigilance in rail operations. While the absence of casualties is a significant relief, the incident underscores the challenges faced by the railway network in maintaining the safety of its operations across the country. The ongoing investigation will aim to determine the exact cause of the derailment and any underlying factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, has faced several such challenges in the past. However, the prompt response in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of passengers has been commendable in this instance. The focus now will be on restoring normalcy to the affected rail routes, completing the necessary repairs to the damaged tracks, and ensuring that the investigation provides insights to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the situation develops, passengers and their families are advised to stay in touch with the helplines provided by the Railways and to follow updates from official sources. The Railways’ commitment to safety and efficient service continues to be of paramount importance as they work to address the challenges posed by this derailment.