Bhubaneswar: A tragic train derailment near Nergundi Station in the Cuttack-Nergundi Railway Section of the Khurda Road Division claimed one life and left three others injured early this morning. The Bangalore-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express (Train No. 12551) derailed, prompting swift rescue and relief efforts by railway authorities and local emergency teams.
Casualties and Compensation
The derailment resulted in the unfortunate death of a passenger, identified as Suvankar Roy, a 22-year-old male. Among the injured, one female passenger sustained grievous injuries, while two male passengers suffered minor injuries.
In response, the railway authorities have announced ex-gratia compensation as follows:
- ₹5,00,000 for the family of the deceased
- ₹2,50,000 for passengers with grievous injuries
- ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries
Immediate medical assistance was provided to the injured, and necessary compensation has been disbursed to the victims’ families.
Impact on Train Operations
The derailment has significantly impacted railway services, leading to the diversion of several trains. Mail and Express trains are now being rerouted via the Barang-Naraj-Kapilas Road instead of the usual Barang-Cuttack-Nergundi route. The affected services include:
Mail/Express Trains Diverted:
- 12253 Bangalore-Bhagalpur Express
- 12864 Bangalore-Howrah Express
- 18118 Gunupur-Rourkela Rajyarani Express
- 20816 Visakhapatnam-Tata Express
- 18425 Puri-Durg Express
- 12838 Puri-Howrah Express
- 18452 Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express
- 18477 Puri-Rishikesh Kalinga Utkal Express
- 12801 Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express
- 18410 Puri-Shalimar Express
- 12888 Puri-Shalimar Express
- 12819 Bhubaneswar-Anand Vihar Odisha Sampark Kranti Express
- 12822 Puri-Howrah Dhauli Express
- 12875 Puri-Anand Vihar Neelachal Express
- 22606 Tirunelveli-Purulia Express
- 12704 Secunderabad-Howrah Falaknuma Express
- 12513 Secunderabad-Silchar Express
- 22896 Puri-Howrah Express
- 12840 Chennai Central-Howrah Mail
- 12892 Puri-Bangiriposi Express
- 12666 Kanyakumari-Howrah Express
MEMU Trains Bypassing Cuttack-Nergundi and Running via Barang-Naraj:
- 68408 Bhubaneswar-Baleswar MEMU
- 68414 Puri-Talcher MEMU
- 68444 Daspalla-Bhadrak MEMU
Investigation and Restoration Efforts
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct a detailed inquiry into the derailment to ascertain the cause of the incident. Meanwhile, railway officials are working tirelessly to restore normalcy on the affected routes at the earliest. Safety protocols were strictly adhered to during the rescue operations to ensure passenger welfare.
Official Response and Relief Measures
General Manager (GM) of East Coast Railway and Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Khurda Road Division rushed to the accident site to oversee relief and restoration efforts. Accident Relief and Medical Relief Trains were immediately dispatched to the location to provide assistance.
Helpline numbers have been activated for passengers and their families seeking information:
- Bhubaneswar: 7205149591, 8455885999
- Cuttack: 8991124238
- Khurda Road: 06742492245
- Bhadrak: 9437443469
- Palasa: 9237105480
- Jajpur Keonjhar Road: 9124639558
We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wish the injured a speedy recovery. Further updates will be shared as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.
