Freight train derails in Odisha’s Koraput; rail services hit

A freight train derailed near Dumuriput in Odisha’s Koraput district late on Monday night, once again raising concerns over recurring railway derailment incidents in the state.

The incident occurred when the goods train was travelling from Jagdalpur to Visakhapatnam. According to preliminary information, at least two wagons of the train went off the tracks. The exact cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained.

Maintenance work underway

Following the incident, track restoration work was taken up on a war footing. Accident Relief and Restoration Teams (ART) were immediately pressed into service to rerail the derailed wagons. A specialised team has been deployed to carry out rescue and maintenance operations.

Senior railway officials from multiple departments, including electrical staff, track maintenance personnel, and station management, rushed to the spot to supervise the restoration work.

Meanwhile, due to the derailment, the Jagdalpur–Visakhapatnam Night Express has been diverted via Koraput.

Similar Incidents in the past

In a similar incident earlier, a goods train derailed on the fourth line at Rupsa railway station in Balasore district at around 10 am while en route to Kharagpur. Following the incident, senior railway officials reached the site and initiated restoration and repair work. Heavy machinery was deployed to bring the derailed wagons back on track and restore normal rail operations.

Rail traffic was disrupted on the affected track in both incidents. However, no injuries were reported, railway officials confirmed.