Samaleshwari Express derailment: Train services resume after 8 hours

Rayagada: The train services at Singapur Road and Rayagada railway station resumed yesterday night after remaining suspended for nearly eight hours following derailment of the engine of Samaleshwari Express, while it was on its way to Jagdalpur from Howrah.

As per reports, first two wheels of the engine had got derailed few kilometres away from Keutiguda Station in Rayagada district. Following which, a relief train was despatched from Rayagada railway station to bring the coaches back. The coaches was first brought to Singapur Road railway station and later to Rayagada station so that some people interested to stay in Rayagada or move to nearby places could find it useful.

In the meantime East Coast Railway (ECoR) workforce carried out the repair work on the tracks. ECoR officials also took care of the comfort of the passengers during the whole process by providing them free food and drinks at Singapur Road and Rayagada railway station.

Due to the derailment, many trains were cancelled and short terminated. The Rourkela-Koraput Express was also left stranded at Keutiguda which was later brought to Singapur. The rerailment process completed by 10:15 PM after which the Samaleshwari Express departed from Rayagada at 10:40 PM and Rourkela-Koraput Express departed from Singapur at 10:52 PM, said sources.