11 killed, 20 injured as passenger coach crashes into goods train in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur

In one of Chhattisgarh’s worst rail tragedies in recent years, at least 11 passengers were killed and 20 others injured on November 4 afternoon when a MEMU local train rammed into a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station.

The impact of the collision was so severe that several coaches were derailed, overhead wires snapped, and the signalling network on the busy Bilaspur–Katni section was crippled, bringing traffic to a halt.

Preliminary findings suggest the local train overshot a signal before slamming into the rear of the goods rake. Railway officials said the force of the crash mangled coaches and scattered debris along the tracks.

Rescue teams from the Railways, RPF, and local police rushed to the site, pulling out trapped passengers amid damaged compartments. Emergency medical units provided first aid before the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals.

Senior railway officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager, reached the accident site to oversee restoration work.

CM expresses grief; ₹10 lakh compensation announced

Expressing anguish over the tragedy, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the accident “extremely tragic” and said he had directed officials to ensure immediate relief. “The state government stands firmly with the affected families,” he said on X.

The Railways announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed, ₹5 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries. A detailed inquiry will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to establish the cause and recommend corrective action.

Railway helplines, services disrupted

Helpline numbers have been issued for passengers and families seeking information:

• Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
• Champa: 8085956528
• Raigarh: 9752485600
• Pendra Road: 8294730162
• Korba: 7869953330
• Usalapur: 7777857338
• Accident site: 9752485499, 8602007202

Several trains on the Bilaspur–Katni line were cancelled, delayed, or diverted as restoration teams worked to clear the tracks. A senior official said efforts were underway “to restore traffic at the earliest while ensuring complete safety.”