A major train accident occurred late on Saturday night near Jamui district, causing significant disruptions to railway services in Bihar. The incident took place on the Jasidih-Jhajha main railway line, under the jurisdiction of the Asansol Railway Division. The accident involved a cement-laden goods train, which derailed and caused three of its wagons to fall into the Bathua River. Meanwhile, two other wagons detached from the train and remained on the bridge. The accident led to a series of unfortunate events, with around a dozen wagons colliding with each other and blocking the downtrack of the Jasidih-Jhajha main line.
Details of the Accident
The cement-laden goods train was traveling from the Jasidih side on the uptrack when the accident occurred. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and railway authorities are working to determine what went wrong. After the train derailed, the damaged wagons piled on top of each other, with several of them spilling onto the downtrack, affecting train movements. Railway officials, upon receiving the news, dispatched a special team to the site, but due to the ongoing investigation, the extent of the damage has not been fully assessed yet. The accident severely affected train services along the route, halting train traffic at approximately 12:00 AM.
Immediate Effects on Train Services
As a result of the derailment, multiple trains have been halted at Jhajha and Jasidih stations. The incident has disrupted the normal train services, particularly on the Howrah-Pakistan and Howrah-Muzaffarpur routes. The authorities have rerouted several trains to avoid the affected area. Due to this, the 13020 Bagh Express, which was heading towards Howrah from Muzaffarpur, had to be diverted from the Barauni station. Additionally, 16 stations were affected, and the train services to and from these stations were canceled. This led to significant inconvenience for passengers, especially those waiting at stations such as Chittaranjan, Madhupur, and Jasidih.
Rescue and Recovery Operations Underway
The railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Saraswati Chandra, confirmed the derailment of eight wagons of a goods train near the Lahaban-Simulutala stations on the Howrah-Delhi route. This caused severe disruptions to both the up and down tracks, with train operations halted. In response, the railway administration dispatched teams from Asansol, Madhupur, and Jhajha to the site, and recovery efforts are currently underway. The restoration of services is being carried out on a war footing, but due to the scale of the accident, it may take some time before normal operations resume.
Passenger Impact and Alternatives
The train accident has caused significant issues for passengers, particularly those traveling on long-distance trains. Several trains were either canceled or rerouted, leading to a considerable number of stranded passengers. Among the affected trains, the 13019 Bagh Express, traveling from Howrah to Muzaffarpur, was canceled between Andal and Kiul. Passengers traveling from the Chittaranjan, Madhupur, and Jasidih stations faced additional challenges. The accident disrupted travel plans for a large number of passengers from North Bihar, and many were stranded at stations overnight, especially in Jasidih.
Disruption to the Howrah-Delhi Route
As a result of the derailment, the Howrah-Delhi rail line faced complete disruption from Saturday night through Sunday. Several trains, including mail, express, premium, and passenger trains, became stuck at various stations. Thousands of passengers were left stranded midway, unable to reach their destinations. To mitigate the impact of this disruption, the railway administration rerouted some trains and made alternative arrangements. However, the extent of the disruption was far-reaching, affecting trains traveling to and from Delhi, Patna, and Howrah. Many trains scheduled to depart from Howrah to Patna and Delhi were either diverted or canceled.
Recovery and Resumption of Services
The railway authorities are actively working to restore normal services along the affected routes. They have been working through the night to clear the tracks and get the derailed wagons back on track. While some services have already been diverted, it is expected that more trains will be rerouted to ensure that passengers are not further inconvenienced. Despite the best efforts, it may take a while for the full restoration of services. Passengers are advised to stay updated on the status of their trains through official railway channels or station authorities.
This major train accident in Bihar has created a challenging situation for both railway authorities and passengers. The goods train derailment, which led to several wagons falling into the river and blocking critical railway tracks, has caused significant disruptions in train services. With the restoration efforts still ongoing, passengers traveling through the Howrah-Delhi route, especially those heading to or from Patna, Delhi, and Muzaffarpur, will continue to face uncertainty. The railway authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy, but it is clear that this incident has created a temporary, yet significant, disruption in rail travel across the region.
As the investigation into the cause of the accident continues, officials are doing their best to manage the situation and provide relief to stranded passengers. Meanwhile, travelers are urged to stay informed and check the status of their trains before heading to stations.
