PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 9: Rail traffic came to a grinding halt early Saturday morning after two freight trains collided head-on near Chandil railway station, close to pole number 375/22.
Collision in the Early Hours
The accident occurred at around 4:15 a.m., causing several wagons from both trains to derail and inflicting severe damage to the tracks. Initial reports suggest a technical fault and signalling failure may have been responsible.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency response teams and senior railway officials rushed to the site. Crew members who sustained minor injuries were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Tracks Severely Damaged
Both the up and down lines have been blocked, with debris from derailed wagons and scattered cargo expected to delay restoration efforts. Officials estimate it may take at least 24 hours to repair the tracks.
Major Train Cancellations
The South Eastern Railway has suspended all passenger and freight services on the Chandil–Tatanagar and Chandil–Bokaro routes. More than 20 trains have been cancelled, including:
- Tatanagar–Patna Vande Bharat Express (18615)
- Tatanagar–Buxar Superfast (18183)
- Tatanagar–Patna VB Express (20893)
- Tatanagar–Hatia MEMU (68035)
Diversions and Short-Terminations
Several long-distance trains have been diverted, such as the Purushottam Express (12801) via Hijli–Adra–Barkakana, the Tatanagar–Buxar Superfast via Chakulia–Asansol, and the Ranchi–Howrah Express (22892) via Kharsawan–Adra.
Services including the Howrah–Chakradharpur Express (18011) and Chakradharpur–Howrah Express (18012) have been short-terminated at Adra. Multiple MEMU and passenger trains via Bokaro, Dhanbad, Gomo, Barkakana, Asansol, and Bokaro have also been fully cancelled.
Passenger Disruption and Advisory
Senior officials remain on-site to oversee restoration, while alternative travel arrangements are being made for stranded passengers. However, the sudden cancellations and diversions have left many travellers facing long waits at stations, with some only learning of changes upon arrival.
Railway authorities have urged passengers to check schedules via helplines or station information centres before travelling, as it may take considerable time for normal operations to resume.