New Delhi: In a major railway mishap, 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen station in Uttar Pradesh at approximately 2:30 AM on Saturday. Despite the scale of the incident, no injuries have been reported. Railway officials have swiftly initiated measures to ensure the safety and onward journey of passengers, while an investigation is underway.
Details of the Incident
The derailment occurred early Saturday morning when the Sabarmati Express, traveling from Varanasi to Ahmedabad, went off the tracks near Kanpur. According to a statement from a railway board official, “No injury to any person has been reported as of now.” The loco pilot reported that a boulder struck the cattle guard at the front of the engine, causing significant damage and bending the structure.
Response and Passenger Assistance
In response to the incident, the Railways immediately dispatched an eight-coach MEMU train from Kanpur to transport stranded passengers back to the city. Buses were also sent to the site to assist with the evacuation. The passengers were safely returned to Kanpur, where arrangements were made for their onward journey to their respective destinations.
Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the North Central Railway Zone, Shashi Kant Tripathi, confirmed that an alternative train had been prepared in Kanpur to continue the passengers’ journey. He added that seven trains had been canceled and three others diverted due to the derailment.
Deepak Kumar, Railway DRM of Jhansi division, reassured the public, stating, “There is no casualty or injury. The passengers have been taken back to Kanpur via bus and train. Another train has been prepared in Kanpur to take the passengers to their respective destinations.”
Investigation and Emergency Measures
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating that “sharp hit marks” were observed on the engine, indicating a potential external cause. He assured that the evidence is being preserved, and that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Uttar Pradesh Police are actively investigating the matter.
“The engine of Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Ahmedabad) hit an object placed on the track and derailed near Kanpur at 02:35 AM today. Sharp hit marks are observed. Evidence is protected. IB and UP police are also working on it. No injuries to passengers or staff. Train arranged for passengers for onward journey to Ahmedabad,” the minister posted.
Emergency Helpline Numbers
Indian Railways has issued emergency helpline numbers to assist passengers and their families:
- Helpline Number 1: 1072
- Helpline Number 2: 1073
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
The swift action by the Railways to ensure the safety and onward journey of passengers has been widely appreciated. However, the incident has also raised concerns about railway safety and the need for enhanced security measures along critical routes.
As the investigation unfolds, the railway authorities and law enforcement agencies are working together to determine the exact cause of the derailment and to prevent such incidents in the future.
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