Kolkata–Sairang Express Derails at Digaru, No Casualties Reported
Five coaches and locomotive derail; stranded passengers shifted by special train
By Dalim Phukan
Morigaon Nov. 11:Five coaches along with the locomotive of the Kolkata–Sairang Express derailed at Digaru Railway Station, about 44 km from Guwahati, on Wednesday morning. Fortunately, all passengers aboard the train were reported safe, and no major injuries were reported in the incident.
According to a statement issued by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the incident occurred at around 6.54 am when Train No. 13125 Kolkata–Sairang Express was being received at Digaru station to give precedence to another train. The locomotive pilot reportedly failed to control the speed of the train, resulting in the derailment.
Relief and rescue operations were immediately launched following the incident. Arrangements were made to transport the affected passengers to their respective destinations by an alternative train. A special train reached the site to carry forward the journey of stranded passengers. Drinking water and food items were also provided to them.
The General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, accompanied by other senior officials, proceeded to the accident site to supervise and monitor the restoration work.
Meanwhile, normal train movement on the UP line has already been restored, and trains on both UP and DOWN lines are operating normally. Trains that had been held up at different locations are expected to resume their journeys gradually.
However, in view of the derailment, some local train services have been affected. Train No. 15769 Alipurduar Junction–Mariani Junction Intercity Express was short-terminated at Kamakhya, while Train Nos. 75727/75728 Guwahati–Haibargaon–Guwahati DMU services were cancelled.
The NFR has activated helpline numbers at various railway stations to assist passengers and their families.
Helpline Numbers:
– Katihar: 9002041806, 9002041952, 9771441956
– Kishanganj: 06456226794, 06456226795
– New Jalpaiguri: 6287699880
– Guwahati: 03612731621, 2731622, 2731623
– Lumding: 03674263858, 265958, 263831
– Badarpur: 03843269546, 269548, 268424, 269547
– Silchar: 03842245414, 245419, 245423
The railway authorities are continuing restoration and monitoring operations to ensure the smooth movement of trains.
