The affected stretch is a critical rail link connecting eastern India with the national capital region. As restoration work continued through Sunday and Monday, several long-distance passenger trains were cancelled, short-terminated, or diverted, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Senior railway officials said that accident relief trains, heavy-duty cranes, and technical teams were deployed immediately after the derailment. The focus has been on clearing the derailed wagons, repairing damaged tracks, and restoring overhead equipment.
“Both lines were blocked due to the derailment. Our teams are working round-the-clock to restore normal operations at the earliest while ensuring safety,” an Eastern Railway official said.
Railway authorities added that adverse terrain conditions and the heavy load of the wagons slowed down restoration efforts, leading to extended disruption.
Passenger Trains Affected
The derailment has led to widespread changes in train operations on the Howrah–Patna–Delhi route. Several express and superfast trains passing through Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal were impacted.
According to officials, trains including select Rajdhani, Duronto, and Mail-Express services were either cancelled, rescheduled, or diverted via alternate routes to reduce congestion on the affected section.
Passengers were advised to check the latest train status through official railway enquiry platforms before commencing their journeys.
No Casualties Reported
Railways confirmed that no injuries or loss of life were reported in the accident, as it involved a goods train and occurred during late night hours when passenger traffic was minimal.
However, officials acknowledged that the incident caused significant logistical challenges, particularly for passengers travelling long distances during the peak winter season.
Inquiry Ordered
An internal inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the derailment. Preliminary assessments suggest possible track-related issues, though officials said conclusions would be drawn only after a detailed technical investigation.
The Indian Railways has been focusing on upgrading tracks, signalling systems, and rolling stock as part of its safety enhancement drive. Incidents such as this underline the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring on high-density routes.
Advisory for Passengers
Railway authorities urged passengers to remain patient and cooperate with on-ground staff. Free drinking water, announcements, and assistance were arranged at major stations where trains were delayed or terminated.
Officials said normal operations are expected to resume gradually once track clearance and safety certification are completed.