In a harrowing incident, eight coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Weekly Express derailed between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations on the Gonda-Gorakhpur section in Uttar Pradesh. The train, en route from Chandigarh to Dibrugarh, suffered the derailment on Thursday, resulting in the loss of three lives and injuries to 32 others, according to officials. Recent revelations surrounding the accident have brought to light significant concerns. Railway sources disclosed that track repair work at the accident site had been completed just a day prior to the mishap. As a precautionary measure, cautionary notices were issued to all trains operating on this track, advising reduced speeds.
Gorakhpur District Railway Officer (DRO) Pankaj Singh confirmed that restoration efforts for the down line had commenced swiftly. All eight derailed coaches have been relocated off the track to a nearby field. Over 800 personnel, equipped with four cranes, four JCBs, a Hydra, and various other machinery, are tirelessly engaged in the restoration process. The objective is to declare the upline fit for operations imminently, ensuring the resumption of normal train services.
We anticipate normal train operations to resume by Friday noon, following the completion of Track Restoration and Development (TRD) procedures, stated Pankaj Singh. He further outlined the compensation measures for the victims of the accident: Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
The railway authorities are committed to swiftly restoring full operational capacity on the affected line while providing necessary support to the affected passengers and their families.