20 Coaches of Sabarmati Express Derail Near Kanpur, All Safe.

Kanpur – Early Saturday, twenty coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur after the engine hit an object placed on the track, according to rail officials. The incident occurred around 2:35 am between Kanpur and Bhimsen railway stations. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, and rescue and relief operations were promptly initiated.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a post on X, confirmed the derailment, stating that the engine of the Varanasi-Ahmedabad Sabarmati Express struck an object on the track. He noted the presence of sharp hit marks and mentioned that evidence was being secured, with investigations being conducted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Uttar Pradesh Police. Vaishnaw also assured that an alternative train was arranged for the passengers to continue their journey to Ahmedabad.

Preliminary investigations suggest possible foul play, as Railway Board officials indicated that the engine may have collided with a foreign object deliberately placed on the tracks. An official mentioned that a foreign material was found near the 16th coach of the train, and the size of the damaged portion of the engine’s cattle guard suggests that it struck the object with considerable force, leading to the derailment.

Passengers on the train described their experiences, with many waking up to a loud noise and the sudden halt of the train. Vikas, a passenger traveling from Varanasi to Ahmedabad, recounted the terrifying moment when the train derailed. He mentioned that the train was moving at a slow speed when it came to an abrupt stop, causing panic among the passengers, who then gathered near the tracks awaiting assistance.

In response to the derailment, Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner GS Naveen Kumar arranged buses and alternative transportation for the passengers. Additionally, the North Central Railway (NCR) organized buses and a MEMU train to transport passengers from the accident site to Kanpur Railway Station for onward journeys. The Railways also issued helpline numbers for affected passengers and announced the cancellation and diversion of several trains due to the incident.

The Railways has issued the following helpline numbers:- Prayagraj: 0532-2408128, 0532-2407353, Kanpur: 0512-2323018, 0512-2323015, Mirzapur: 054422200097, Etawah: 7525001249, Tundla: 7392959702, Ahmedabad: 07922113977, Banaras City: 8303994411, Gorakhpur: 0551-2208088.

Besides, the following helpine numbers for Jhansi Rail Division have been released -: Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Jn) -0510-2440787 and 0510-2440790. Orai -05162-252206, Banda-05192-227543, Lalitpur Jn – 07897992404.