In a significant incident on Thursday, at least eight coaches of the Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express derailed at Dibalong station in Assam. The derailment occurred around 4 PM in the Lumding-Bardarpur Hill section of the Lumding division.
Fortunately, no casualties or major injuries have been reported as a result of the accident. The coaches included the power car and the train’s engine, according to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Northeast Frontier Railway zone.
Railway officials acted quickly, dispatching an accident relief train and a medical team from Lumding to the site of the incident. Senior officials from the division are also on-site to oversee rescue and restoration operations. Following the derailment, train operations over the Lumding-Badarpur single line section have been temporarily suspended.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the state government is coordinating with the railways to address the situation. Helpline numbers have also been issued for those affected: Lumding – 03674 263120 and 03674 263126.
This incident follows another derailment a week earlier, when 12 coaches of the Bagmati Express derailed after colliding with a stationary goods train in Kavarapettai, Tamil Nadu, on October 11. Fortunately, that incident also resulted in no casualties or life-threatening injuries.
The recent derailments bring to mind the tragic 2023 Balasore crash, where the Coromandel Express collided with a goods train, resulting in one of the deadliest train accidents in India, with 296 fatalities.
Railway authorities are urging passengers to remain updated on the situation and follow safety protocols during travel.
Sources By Agencies