In the early hours of Saturday, November 9, 2024, three coaches of the Secunderabad–Shalimar Weekly Express (train number 22850) derailed near Nalpur station in West Bengal’s Kharagpur Division, leading to widespread travel disruptions across the region. The derailment occurred at around 5:30 a.m., involving one parcel van and two passenger coaches. Although the train was crowded, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
South Eastern Railway (SER) officials swiftly initiated a safe evacuation for all passengers aboard the derailed Secunderabad–Shalimar Weekly Express on Saturday morning. “All passengers have been evacuated and transported to their destinations by ten buses,” an official stated, noting that an additional local train was arranged to provide further support for stranded passengers. The derailment occurred approximately 40 kilometers from Howrah Junction, a major railway hub in Eastern India, causing significant disruption across the region.
In response, SER quickly deployed accident relief and medical aid from nearby Kharagpur and Santragachi stations to the accident site. Chief Public Relations Officer Om Prakash Charan confirmed that the restoration work began promptly after evacuating the passengers. “Survey work is ongoing, and restoration processes are in progress,” he stated.
Passengers recounted the frightening experience of the derailment, with many expressing gratitude for the prompt response by railway authorities. “The Railway Police Force and medical teams arrived within an hour to check on us,” one passenger shared. Despite feeling shaken by the sudden incident, travelers found relief in the efficient response, which minimized hardship and ensured their safety amidst the unexpected derailment. This event highlighted the importance of rapid intervention in India’s extensive railway system.
The derailment significantly disrupted train operations throughout the South Eastern Division, impacting thousands of travellers. Officials confirmed that five trains were diverted, 17 services were shortened, and four trains were cancelled entirely. Other trains in the area experienced extensive delays, with passengers stranded for hours as teams worked to restore normal operations.
To support affected passengers, a help desk was swiftly established at Kharagpur Station, providing assistance and vital information to those impacted by the derailment of the Secunderabad–Shalimar Weekly Express. This desk played a crucial role in managing the concerns of travelers as they dealt with cancellations and delays following the incident. Alongside, South Eastern Railway (SER) dispatched rail engineers and technical experts to the site to conduct an initial investigation, aimed at determining the cause of the derailment. These inspections are ongoing, with findings expected to guide future safety measures.
The coordinated and efficient response by SER, which included medical and accident relief teams from nearby Kharagpur and Santragachi stations, helped prevent injuries and minimized the immediate challenges faced by passengers. This response underscores the importance of crisis preparedness and the capacity for quick intervention within India’s extensive railway network, which millions rely on each day. Rapid and well-organized crisis management efforts, as demonstrated by SER, are essential to maintaining passenger safety and managing emergencies.
This derailment has also reignited discussions around improving railway infrastructure and strengthening safety protocols, especially in high-traffic areas like the Howrah rail corridor. Calls are growing for increased investments in safety upgrades and more rigorous maintenance practices to help prevent such incidents. The incident highlights the need for continued resilience, and the importance of building safer, more reliable infrastructure within India’s rail network.
As train services gradually return to normal, this incident reinforces Indian Railways’ role as a critical national transport network. The swift action taken serves as a reminder of the need for proactive safety protocols and crisis preparedness in an infrastructure as vast and essential as India’s rail system. For both passengers and officials, the event has underlined the importance of sustained focus on safety and rapid response readiness to ensure smooth and secure railway operations across the country.
From Ankitaa Bal
Reported for TRUE TO LIFE