Assam Train Accident: Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails Near Guwahati

The Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed at Digaru Railway Station in Assam on Wednesday morning, November 11. The accident happened around 6:54 AM in the Kamrup Metropolitan district. According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the engine and five coaches went off the tracks. The accident took place when the train was entering Digaru station to allow another train to pass first. Railway officials reached the spot and started rescue operations.

What Happened at Digaru Railway Station?

The accident involved Train No. 13125, the Kolkata-Sairang Express, which connects Kolkata in West Bengal with Sairang in Mizoram. According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, the train was entering Digaru station when the incident happened. In its first statement, the railway said that the loco pilot could not control the train's speed. As a result, the engine and atleast six coaches went off the tracks. Senior railway officials, including the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, also reached the accident site to review the situation.

Passengers Reportedly Injured in the Accident

There are different reports about passengers being injured in the accident. In its first statement, Northeast Frontier Railway said that all passengers were safe and no injuries had been reported. However, some later media reports said that several passengers were injured. Some reported that three passengers were injured and taken to Sonapur District Hospital for treatment. Other news reports also mentioned injuries, but the exact number of injured passengers has not been officially confirmed. No deaths were reported in the railway's initial statement.

After the accident, railway officials started rescue and relief work to help the passengers. Northeast Frontier Railway arranged another train to help passengers continue their journey. Senior railway officials and staff were also sent to the location to check the damage and manage the situation. Further details about the repair work and the reopening of the affected railway track were awaited.

What Caused the Train Accident in Assam?

According to the railway's first statement, the loco pilot could not control the train's speed while entering Digaru station. The train was being received at the station to allow another train to pass first. However, the exact reason for the derailment has not yet been confirmed. Railway authorities may need to check the train's speed, signals, brakes and track conditions to understand what went wrong. There is no confirmed official information that brake failure caused the accident.

The Kolkata-Sairang Express connects Kolkata with Sairang in Mizoram. Sairang is located near Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. The train is important for people travelling between the Northeast and other parts of India. It has improved railway connectivity for Mizoram and made long-distance travel easier for passengers. The derailment has raised fresh concerns about railway safety and passenger security in the Northeast. Railway authorities are expected to share more information as rescue and repair work continues. The investigation will help establish the exact reason behind the accident.