What Happened When Three Coaches of the Chennai–New Jalpaiguri Express Derailed in Odisha's Jajpur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhubaneswar, Feb 5 (NationPress) A significant rail catastrophe was narrowly avoided on Thursday morning when the MGR Chennai Central (MAS)–New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Express derailed near Jakhapura in Odisha's Jajpur district.
According to sources from the East Coast Railway (ECoR), no substantial damage occurred as the train was traveling at a very slow speed during the incident.
An official statement from the ECoR indicated, "A minor derailment involving Train No. 22611 Chennai–New Jalpaiguri (MAS–NJP) Express occurred at 08:51 hrs while passing through Jakhapura Yard (JKPR). One AC coach and two General coaches derailed within the yard limits. The train was moving at a very slow speed at the time of the incident. No casualties or injuries to passengers were reported."
The ECoR further stated that passenger train services remained unaffected following the minor derailment. Railway officials quickly arrived at the scene to ensure that the impacted passengers were accommodated in available coaches.
"Upon receiving the report, an Accident Relief Train (ART) from Bhubaneswar and Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) from Khurda Road were dispatched at 08:53 hrs," the ECoR added.
Deepak Rout, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of East Coast Railway, remarked that additional coaches would be attached to the train as needed at the Kharagpur Division to facilitate passenger convenience.
Senior railway officials were present at the site, diligently overseeing restoration and safety measures.
As reported by ECoR officials, "The affected Train No. 22611 Chennai Central–New Jalpaiguri Express has been relocated from the derailment site after the safe detachment of the affected coaches. Train operations in both directions have returned to normal."
Passengers on the train relayed their experiences to the media, expressing their fear after hearing a loud noise and feeling a severe jolt due to the derailment.
Despite the situation, railway officials reassured them that there was no need for alarm as no significant damage had occurred.