Assam Train Accident: Kolkata-Sairang Express Derailed Near Guwahati, Several Passengers Feared Injured

A major train accident was reported in Assam on Wednesday morning after the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Guwahati, sending several coaches off the tracks. The incident occurred near Digaru railway station in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district at around 6:54 am on November 11. Initial reports suggested that several passengers had sustained injuries, although railway authorities subsequently said that all passengers were safe. Rescue and restoration operations were launched following the accident, while senior railway officials rushed to the spot to assess the situation.

Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails Near Digaru Railway Station In Assam

The accident involved Train No. 13125, the Kolkata-Sairang Express, which was travelling from Kolkata's Chitpur station towards Sairang in Mizoram, near Aizawl.

According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the derailment occurred at approximately 6:54 am while the train was being received at Digaru railway station. The train was being moved to give precedence to another train when the locomotive and the coaches went off the tracks.

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, said the loco pilot was unable to control the train's speed, resulting in the derailment.

Passengers Reportedly Injured, Railways Say No Casualties

Initial reports from the accident site indicated that several passengers had sustained injuries, with some reports suggesting that a few may have been seriously hurt. However, the exact number of injured passengers was not immediately established.

Northeast Frontier Railway subsequently clarified that all passengers were safe. The clarification followed reports and eyewitness accounts suggesting that some passengers might have suffered minor injuries.

Rescue Operations Underway, Train Services Affected

Following the accident, Northeast Frontier Railway initiated relief and rescue operations. NFR General Manager Vivek Khare, along with other senior railway officials, proceeded to the accident site to supervise the response.

A recovery train was also rushed to the location to assist with clearing the affected tracks. Railway authorities arranged an alternative train to transport passengers to their respective destinations.

“Four sustained minor injuries and are receiving care. We’re working closely with @RailMinIndia on this situation. All stranded passengers have been provided with basic necessities and alternative travel train has been arranged for the journey,” Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X.

The derailment also affected other train movements in the region. According to railway updates, the Guwahati-Jorhat Town Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12067) was regulated at Panbari, while the Coimbatore-Silchar Express (Train No. 15627) was held at Panikhaiti.

Restoration work is underway, and further details about the cause of the accident are awaited. A detailed assessment and inquiry are expected to establish the circumstances leading to the derailment.

(With inputs from various sources)

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