At least 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen station at 2:30 a.m. on August 17, 2024. No injuries have been reported.
The loco pilot stated that a boulder struck the cattle guard (front portion) of the engine, causing significant damage and bending it. Due to the derailment, seven trains have been cancelled and three diverted.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided an update on social media platform X, stating, “The engine of Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Amdavad) hit an object placed on the track and derailed near Kanpur at 02:35 am today. Sharp hit marks are observed. Evidence is protected. IB and UP police are also working on it. No injuries to passengers or staff. Train arranged for passengers for onward journey to Amdavad.”
Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the North Central Railway Zone reported that buses were arranged to transport passengers from the accident site to Kanpur Railway Station. Additionally, an eight-coach MEMU train was dispatched from Kanpur to the accident site to bring passengers back to Kanpur for further travel arrangements.
The Railways has issued the following helpline numbers for assistance:
- Prayagraj: 0532-2408128, 0532-2407353
- Kanpur: 0512-2323018, 0512-2323015
- Mirzapur: 0544-22200097
- Etawah: 7525001249
- Tundla: 7392959702
- Ahmedabad: 07922113977
- Banaras City: 8303994411
- Gorakhpur: 0551-2208088
For the Jhansi Rail Division:
- Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Jn: 0510-2440787, 0510-2440790
- Orai: 05162-252206
- Banda: 05192-227543
- Lalitpur Jn: 07897992404
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