Shravani Mela Special train coach derails in Jharkhand; no injuries reported

A potentially serious rail accident was narrowly averted in Jharkhand in the early hours of Sunday when a coach of the Shravani Mela Special train derailed on the Silli-Bokaro section. A large number of Kanwariyas were travelling on the train at the time, but all passengers were reported safe and no casualties were reported.

According to railway officials, Train No. 08895, the Madhupur Shravani Mela Special, was travelling towards Madhupur at around 2:30 a.m. when its third coach from the engine suddenly went off the tracks near pole number 354/SA4.

The derailment brought the train to an abrupt stop, with the sudden impact and loud noise causing panic among passengers. Railway officials, along with personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), quickly reached the site after being alerted.

A technical team was also deployed to carry out relief and restoration work. The derailed coach was subsequently placed back on the tracks, but railway authorities decided against allowing it to continue its journey as a precautionary measure.

The affected coach was taken to the Muri yard, while the Kanwariyas travelling in it were safely evacuated and arrangements were made to ensure their onward movement.

The incident temporarily disrupted train services on the affected stretch. Railway authorities diverted or altered the routes of several trains while repair work was carried out on the damaged portion of the track.

Railway engineers and technical staff worked through the early morning hours, completing the restoration of the affected track at around 5:15 a.m. Train operations on the Bokaro section were subsequently resumed and normal rail movement was gradually restored.

The incident comes during the busy Shravani Mela period, when thousands of Kanwariyas travel by train to pilgrimage destinations in Jharkhand and neighbouring states. The absence of casualties has brought relief, particularly given the number of pilgrims aboard the special train.

Railway authorities have ordered an investigation to determine the precise cause of the derailment. Officials are examining the condition of the track, the affected coach and other technical factors to establish what led to the incident.

Further details are awaited as the inquiry progresses.