The locomotive and five coaches of the Kolkata–Sairang Express derailed near Digaru railway station on the outskirts of Guwahati in Assam on Wednesday morning, leaving four passengers with minor injuries.
The incident occurred at around 6.54 am on November 11, when the train was being received at Digaru station in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district. The train was travelling from Kolkata to Sairang, near Aizawl in Mizoram.
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the train was being received at the station to give precedence to another train. However, the locomotive pilot was unable to control the speed, resulting in the engine and five coaches going off the tracks.
Initial statements from railway officials said all passengers were safe and no injuries had been reported. However, subsequent updates confirmed that four passengers had sustained minor injuries and were receiving medical attention.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government was coordinating with the Ministry of Railways following the accident. He confirmed that all passengers were safe and that basic necessities had been provided to those stranded by the disruption.
Railway authorities launched relief and rescue operations soon after the derailment. A recovery train was sent to the site to assist with the operation and clear the tracks. Passengers were also being transferred to an alternative train to continue their journey.
Senior Northeast Frontier Railway officials, including General Manager Vivek Khare, proceeded to the accident site to oversee the response.
The circumstances surrounding the derailment are expected to be examined by railway authorities. No fatalities have been reported.
