Kolkata–Sairang Express Derails in Assam After Driver Fails to Control Speed; All Passengers Safe

Photo: IANS

Guwahati: The locomotive and five coaches of the Kolkata–Sairang Express derailed at Digaru railway station in Assam on Wednesday morning after the train's driver reportedly failed to control its speed. However, all passengers escaped unharmed, and no injuries have been reported, railway officials said.

The incident took place at around 6.54 a.m. when Train No. 13125 Kolkata–Sairang Express was being received at Digaru station to give precedence to another train.

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), confirmed the derailment and said the locomotive, along with five coaches, went off the tracks after the loco pilot was unable to regulate the train's speed.

He clarified that all passengers were safe and no casualties or injuries had been reported. The clarification came after initial reports suggested that some passengers might have been injured.

Railway authorities immediately launched relief and restoration operations following the incident. The NFR General Manager, accompanied by senior officials, rushed to the site to supervise the situation and coordinate the restoration work.

Arrangements have also been made to transport the affected passengers to their respective destinations through an alternative train service.

Meanwhile, railway engineers, technical personnel and other teams are working to clear the derailed coaches and restore normal train operations on the affected section. Train movement in the area was temporarily disrupted following the accident.

Railway authorities are assessing the circumstances that led to the derailment, and a detailed inquiry is expected to establish the sequence of events.

Digaru railway station is located on the outskirts of Guwahati. The Kolkata–Sairang Express serves as an important rail connection between Mizoram and Kolkata, linking the northeastern state with other parts of eastern India.

Further details are awaited as restoration and assessment work continues.