Kolkata-Sairang Express Derails at Digaru; CM Sarma Confirms Safety
The Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed at Digaru station in Assam. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed all passengers are safe and relief is underway.
The Kolkata-Sairang Express derailment at Digaru railway station in Assam has prompted an immediate response from state and railway authorities. Early Wednesday morning, the locomotive and five coaches of the train derailed, causing significant disruption to rail services in the region.
According to reports from the Northeast Frontier Railway, the incident occurred at approximately 6:54 am. The train, numbered 13125, was being received at the Digaru station—located about 44 km from Guwahati—to give precedence to another scheduled train. The derailment reportedly happened after the loco pilot was unable to control the speed of the locomotive during the maneuver.
Relief Operations and Passenger Safety
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the situation via social media, providing reassurance to the public. He confirmed that while the incident was serious, all passengers are safe, though four individuals sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
"All passengers are safe. 4 sustained minor injuries and are receiving care. We're working closely with @RailMinIndia on this situation," the Chief Minister stated.
The state government has been working in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways to ensure that no passenger is left without support. Authorities have already provided basic necessities, including drinking water and food, to those affected. To facilitate onward travel, an alternative train has been arranged to transport stranded passengers to their destinations.
While the immediate rescue operations have been successful, the impact on the railway network is still being managed. Key updates regarding train services include:
- Restored Services: Normal operations on the up line have been restored, and trains on both up and down lines are gradually returning to their regular schedules.
- Cancellations and Terminations: The Alipurduar Jn-Mariani Jn Intercity Express was short-terminated at Kamakhya, and certain DMU services (Guwahati-Haibargaon-Guwahati) have been cancelled.
- Helplines: Railway authorities have activated helpline numbers at various stations to assist any travelers facing difficulties.
Senior officials, including the General Manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway, are currently on-site at Digaru to monitor the restoration work and ensure that full service is resumed as quickly as possible.