Chennai - New Jalpaiguri Express derails in Odisha’s Jajpur

Three coaches of the Chennai–New Jalpaiguri Express derailed near Jakhapura station in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Thursday morning.

Train No. 22611, operating between Chennai Central (MAS) and New Jalpaiguri (NJP), was moving at a very slow speed at the time of the derailment, officials said.

Coaches Derailed Within Yard Limits

According to Railway sources, one AC coach and two General coaches derailed within the yard limits at Jakhapura. There was no loss of life or injury to passengers reported in the incident. Passenger train operations in the section remained unaffected despite the derailment.

Railway authorities stated that the affected coaches were being detached, and passengers from those coaches were being suitably accommodated. 

Additional coaches are being arranged and will be attached to the train as required to ensure passenger convenience.

Rescue And Restoration Measures

On receipt of information about the derailment, an Accident Relief Train (ART) from Bhubaneswar and Khurda Road was promptly dispatched at 08:53 hrs. In addition, Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) from Khurda Road was also sent to the site. 

As per reports, a rescue team from Bhadrak was dispatched and had left for the accident site at the time of reporting.

Senior railway officials reached the spot soon after the incident and are closely monitoring restoration and safety-related activities at the site.

Cause Yet To Be Ascertained

The exact reason behind the derailment was not known at the time of reporting. Railway officials are expected to conduct a detailed assessment to ascertain the cause of the incident.

Restoration work was underway at the time of reporting.