Guwahati: A journey from Mizoram toward Kolkata turned chaotic early on Wednesday after the Kolkata–Sairang Express went off the tracks near Guwahati, leaving passengers shaken and several reportedly hurt.
The accident occurred at Digaru railway station on the outskirts of Guwahati at around 6.54 am, as the train travelled from Sairang in Mizoram to Kolkata. Railway authorities said the engine and multiple coaches left the tracks, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Coaches Jump Tracks
Initial information indicated that six coaches had derailed, along with the engine. The incident took place at Digaru station in Assam’s Kamrup (Metro) district, a busy rail location on the outskirts of the state capital, as reported by The Statesman.
Senior officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) rushed to the site after receiving alerts about the mishap. Railway staff began assessing the damage, helping stranded passengers and coordinating rescue arrangements.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, confirmed the incident and said that no casualties had been reported so far.
“Six coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed at Digaru railway station at around 6.54 a.m. today. So far, no casualties have been reported. Our senior officials have rushed to the spot,” Sharma told IANS.
Relief Work Begins
Railway and local administration teams were at the accident site to provide assistance to those affected. Officials were also arranging alternative transport for passengers whose journey was disrupted by the derailment.
Efforts were underway to clear the damaged stretch of track and resume train operations. Authorities said the mishap could affect services along the route, though the scale of the disruption was still being evaluated.
Probe Into Cause
The exact reason for the derailment had not been established at the time of reporting. Railway officials are expected to examine the tracks, rolling stock and operational records as part of a detailed investigation.
The Kolkata–Sairang Express is a key rail link connecting Mizoram with eastern India. The service plays a vital role in improving accessibility for the northeastern state and linking it with major destinations beyond the region.