According to East Coast Railway (ECoR) officials, the incident occurred at around 8.51 am while the train was passing through Jakhapura Yard. One AC coach and two general coaches derailed within the yard limits
Train movement on both tracks has now returned to normal, officials said. Representational Pic/File
A major rail accident was narrowly avoided on Thursday morning when the Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri Express derailed near Jakhapura in Odisha’s Jajpur district, reported the IANS.
According to East Coast Railway (ECoR) officials, the incident occurred at around 8.51 am while the train was passing through Jakhapura Yard. One AC coach and two general coaches derailed within the yard limits.
Railway authorities said the train was travelling at a very slow speed at the time of the derailment, which helped prevent serious damage.
In an official statement, ECoR confirmed that there was no loss of life and no injuries to any passengers, as per the IANS.
"A minor derailment involving Train No. 22611 Chennai-New Jalpaiguri Express occurred at 08:51 hrs today morning, while the train was passing through Jajpur Yard (JKPR)," the East Coast Railway (ECoR) said in a release.
Passenger services remain unaffected
ECoR informed that passenger train operations were not disrupted due to the minor nature of the derailment. Railway officials rushed to the spot immediately and arranged alternative accommodation for affected passengers in vacant coaches, the news agency reported.
Accident Relief Trains from Bhubaneswar and Khurda Road, along with Accident Relief Medical Equipment from Khurda Road, were dispatched within minutes of receiving information about the incident.
Additional coaches to be attached
Speaking to the media, East Coast Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Deepak Rout said that additional coaches would be attached to the train at the Kharagpur Division if required, to ensure passenger comfort, as per the IANS.
Senior railway officials are present at the site and are closely supervising restoration work and safety measures.
Train services normalised
As per the latest update from ECoR, the affected Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri Express was moved from the derailment site after safely detaching the damaged coaches.
Train movement on both tracks has now returned to normal.
Passengers recall moment of panic
Passengers travelling on the train said they were frightened after hearing a loud noise and feeling a sudden jolt when the derailment occurred. However, railway officials reassured them that there was no reason for concern, as no major damage had been caused.
(with IANS inputs)
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