Bikaner Guwahati Express derailed: 9 killed, 36 injured; probe reveals locomotive glitch

"The situation is in full control. The section will be cleared in the next 2 hours. Inspection is underway, reason will be ascertained after proper investigation. Inquiry officials are at the spot. Contacts have been established with the family of the dead and injured. We are taking care of all the needs and will do everything possible. Full cooperation from State administration, hospitals. Hospitalization also happened timely. Everyone came together for the sake of humanity," Vinay Kumar Tripathi, Chairperson of Railway Board, said.

After inspecting the accident site in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid a visit to the hospital where several injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment. The Minister spoke to the people and inquired about their well-being.

Following the Bikaner-Guwahati Express derailment, the Indian Railways has cancelled few trains scheduled on February 14, 2022. The trains which remains canceled include 15704 Bangaigaon – New Jalpaiguri Intercity Express, 15703 New Jalpaiguri – Bongaigaon Intercity Express, 07525 New Jalpaiguri – New Bongaigaon DEMU, 07526 New Bongaigaon New Jalpaiguri DEMU, 07541/07542 Siliguri-Dhubri Intercity Express, 15767/15768 Alipurduar Jn- Siliguri Intercity Express, 15467 / 15468 Siliguri Jn – Bamanhat- Siliguri Jn Intercity Express, 05717 / 05713 Bamanhat Siliguri DEMU, 07526 / 07525 New Bongaigaon Siliguri Jn DEMU and, 15777 / 15778 New Jalpaiguri – Alipurduar Jn – New Jalpaiguri Tourist Express.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after inspecting the accident site spoke to the media and shared details regarding the accident. He said an initial probe is being carried out by the Commission of Rail Safety and it has revealed a glitch in locomotive equipment. 

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday visited the accident site after 12 coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati express train got derailed on Thursday evening killing nine people and injuring several others. Sharing details about the accident, he spoke about conducting a complete inspection of the site and further informed that an issue has been suspected in the locomotive equipment of the train. Meanwhile, the cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed. 

The Minister further announced that a compensation of Rs 5 lakh has been extended to the families of the deceased while Rs 1 lakh each has been announced for those seriously injured. Also, Rs 25,000 each is being given to the mildly injured passengers. 

While a statutory inquiry has been initiated in the Bikaner-Guwahati express accident, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy has claimed a suspected crack on the track which could lead to the accident. Demanding investigation on it, he also sought a clear statement from the Union Railway Minister on the incident. 

The Indian Railways has diverted a total of nine trains and further cancelled several other trains after twelve coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati express train met with an accident in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district. The accident which occurred under the Alipurduar division of Northeast Frontier Railway has claimed the lives of nine people while 36 passengers are injured. 

Meanwhile, the trains that remain diverted through alternative routes include the Guwahati-Howrah Saraighat Express, Kamakhya-Anand Vihar Express, New Delhi-Agartala Tejas Rajdhani Express, and Trivandrum-Silchar Express.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visits the Bikaner Guwahati Express derailment site and has assured of a proper probe in the matter. While speaking to the media, he said that the process of removing the debris will be carried out and further investigation will be conducted for ascertaining the reason behind the mishap. 

Several survivors from the Bikaner-Guwahati express accident that took place earlier on Thursday evening recounted the horrific moment and its impact. One of them recalled that there was a heavy jerk and everything went blank. People fell down from their berths. Also, there was a huge sound which alarmed the passengers. 

While the death toll in the Bikaner-Guwahati Express mishap has risen to 9, a special train has been arranged for sending the stranded passengers to Guwahati. Confirming the same, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, John Barla after inspection stated that 9 deaths have been reported while 36 are injured and are admitted to different hospitals. In the meantime, rescue operations have also been concluded. 

Union Minister for Minority Affairs, John Barla visited the accident site of Guwahati-Bikaner Express this morning for inspection. He informed that at least 9 casualties have been reported in the tragic incident while 36 people have suffered injuries. The rescue operation is complete and those injured are being treated, said Barla. 

Six people lost their lives after 12 coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express (15633) derailed in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Thursday, said Chief Public Relations Officer, Northeast Frontier Railway. 

There were about 1053 passengers onboard the train at the time of the derailment at the location.

Over 200 BSF personnel were deployed at the West Bengal train accident site for rescue operation.

The location is about 42 kilometres away from New Jalpaiguri station and about 100 km away from New Alipurduar station.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that she is reaching the site tomorrow, that is 14 January. He said, " I am reaching the site tomorrow morning. Medical teams, senior officers at the spot. PM Modi also took stock of the situation and rescue operation. Our focus is on rescue. Ex-gratia also announced".

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke to Union Railway Minister & West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee regarding derailment of Bikaner-Guwahati Express near Jalpaigur. West Bengal CM even assured assistance on the ground & will keep Assam Government updated on the ongoing situation.

Leader of the Indian National Congress in the 17th Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised concerns over the accident and said that the question of whether such an incident can be averted. He further said that it is matter of "great concern" that with the latest technology, "how did this happen". Chowdhury said 'there must be some short of maintenance of the railway track' while adding 'it is the responsibility of the owners to ferry those passengers safe and secured to their destination'

President Ram Nath Kovind said, "The derailment of coaches of the Bikaner-Guhawati Express near New Maynaguri, West Bengal is distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected passengers and their families. I wish speedy recovery to the injured."

The death toll of Bikaner Guwahati Express derailment mounts to five. At least 45 injured, confirmed official.

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Enhanced amount of ex-gratia compensation to the victims of this unfortunate accident: Rs. 5 Lakh in case of death, Rs. 1 Lakh towards grievous and Rs. 25,000 for minor injuries."

Meanwhile, Guneet Kaur, Chief PRO, North-East Frontier Railway, Guwahati said, "Accident occurred around 5 pm b/w Domohani & New Maynaguri. Around 10 coaches were affected. 3 dead, 20 injured; 5 lakh for deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, Rs 25,000 for minor injuries. High-level inquiry ordered".

Taking to Twitter Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he spoke with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and added that he "took stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly."

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "The news of the accident of Bikaner-Guwahati Express train in West Bengal is extremely sad. Praying for peace to the departed souls to Lord Shri Ram and wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. My condolences are with the bereaved families."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Very sad accident. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured."

Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) enquiry has been ordered into Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed near Domohani in West Bengal. At least three people have been confirmed to have died while 20 others are left wounded.  The accident took place around 5 PM. 

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said, "I am reaching the site tomorrow morning. Medical teams, senior officers at the spot. PM Modi also took stock of the situation and rescue operation. Our focus is on rescue. Ex-gratia also announced."      

Indian Railway Official said About 30 - 35 ambulances reached the spot around 5:30 pm. All injured taken to hospital. Rescue work almost.

Indian Railways has confirmed that 3 people have died and at least 20 injured Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailment in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

Minister of Railways of India Ashwini Vaishnaw said he is personally monitoring the developments and has also spoken to PM Modi.  Vaishnaw said that he apprised the Prime Minister about the rescue operations.

Taking to Twitter, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia said, "Pained to know about the unfortunate incident. Praying for the safety of all passengers."

Condoling the accident, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot said, "Saddened to know about the loss of lives, when bogies of Bikaner-Guwahati Express got derailed in West Bengal. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they remain strong to bear this loss. Prayers for speedy recovery of those injured."

DG NDRF Atul Karwal has informed that two teams of NDRF have been deployed; will reach shortly to rescue people in the Guwahati-Bikaner Express accident with multiple bogies derailed in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed 'deep concern' over the train derailment. She also informed that Senior Officers of the State Government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations. The injured will be taken to the nearest hospitals, West Bengal CM said adding that "Situation being closely monitored from the State HQs."

For the rescue operation in the accident, at least 20 police officials s under the guidance of Add. SP Mathabhanga have already left for Maynaguri. Four ambulances from the Police side are already on the way. Additionally, ropes, dragon lights and other rescue materials have also been sent from the Coochbehar police side. To help the stranded people, OC Mekhliganj is on the way to accident spot with 500 food packets and water bottles.

Indian Railways shared more helpline numbers as rescue operations are underway as following:

03564 255190

050 34666

0361-273162, 2731622, 2731623 

In regard to derailment of 15633 between NQH (New  Domohani)  and NCB (New Coonch behar) 
Helpline set up at Bikaner (BKN) commercial control - 0151- 2208222. Additionally, an enquiry counter set up at BKN station. Meanwhile, 

Commercial helpline number Jaipur also available at Room no. 16, Platform no. 1, Jaipur station - 01412201567

Guneet Kaur, Chief Public Relations Officer, NF Railways speaks with Republic TV and informed that Rs 5 Lakh exgratia in case of death and Rs 1 lakh in case of serious injury has been announced. Meanwhile, she said that relief trains and medical trains are on their way to the accident site and are expected to reach shortly.

In the wake of the Bikaner Guwahati Express accident at Domohani in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The relief trains are also reaching Domohani from both sides as the rescue efforts are also ongoing. At least 100 people have already been rescued as of 6:40 PM after the train derailed at 5 PM.  Several dozens of ambulances have also been rushed to the site in a bid to take the injured to nearby health facilities. 

As inquiry has been launched into the accident which took place despite the speed being 40 kmph and no issues with fog, Republic has learnt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken update on the situation.

Jalpaiguri district administration has said some of the wounded passengers were being rushed to a hospital in nearby Moynaguri, but no casualties have been officially reported. Footage and images of the accident has shown the coaches lying sideways down the elevated tracks as rescue workers were seen trying to extricate the passengers.

A High-level Commissioner Railway Safety enquiry has been ordered in the accident of Bikaner Guwahati express which got derailed near Domohani in West Bengal. Meanwhile, CRB & DG safety have also left New Delhi to reach the site of the accident which took place at 5 PM.

According to the latest updates, the  15633 Up Bikaner-New Jalpaigudi Express derailed in  Alipurduar Division of NF Railway between stations New Domohani - New maynagori at OHE Mast 42/5. The train left New Domohani station at 4:53 PM but when it reached the block section between New Domohani and new maynagori stations, the train derailed. Along with ART & ARME/Alipurduar rushing to the site, railway and district administration officials are also carrying out the rescue and relief work.

Helpline numbers for the Bikaner Guwahati Express derailment in West Bengal are as follows:
0361-2731622
0361-2731623

 813405 4999 is the helpline number for the accident. As authorities rush the site to rescue the people on derailed Guwahati-Bikaner Express. The accident took place around 5 PM (local time) in West Bengal after the '15633 UP BIKANER EXPRESS' started its journey from Bikaner Junction to reach Guwahati. The entire route normally takes around 46 hrs 50 mins.

According to the preliminary reports, at least 12  coaches have been affected. Indian Railways has said that DRM and ADRM rushed to the site on Thursday evening.

The train derailed near Maynaguri in West Bengal. Even though the exact number of passengers on the train is not known yet, numerous people were seen outside the train. Five bogies were overturned. The train was moving at the speed of 40kmph.,

As several passengers were seen jumping out of the bogies which overturned and the rescue mission is underway, one of the people aboard the Bikaner-Guwahati express said that "We felt a big jhatka and the bogies derailed".

Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed near Domohani in West Bengal on Thursday evening. While more details are awaited, there are no details of any causalities.