Jharkhand Rail Accident: Efforts Ongoing to Restore Full Services

Tracks were partially restored on Wednesday night in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharsawan district following the derailment of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail, officials reported. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning at Potobeda village near Barabambo station, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 22 others.

All coaches and wagons were cleared from the tracks, allowing the third line to be reopened for train movement by evening. The first train crossed the section at 8:55 pm. Efforts to restore the remaining two lines were ongoing, according to officials.

Train Cancellations and Diversions

Seven trains were cancelled during the day due to the derailment. These included the 08163/08164 Chakradharpur-Rourkela-Chakradharpur Special, 12768 Santragachi-Nanded Express, 08602 Hatia-Tatanagar Special, 08195 Tatanagar-Hatia Special, 18190 Ernakulam-Tatanagar Express, 18114 Bilaspur-Tatanagar Express, and 12872 Titlagarh-Howrah Express, as stated by the South Eastern Railway. Additionally, some trains will be short-terminated.

The crash had led to the diversion or cancellation of approximately 35 trains on Tuesday. This disruption significantly impacted railway services in the region.

Compensation for Victims

The railways provided an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the two deceased passengers, P Bikash and Ajit Kumar Samal, both from Odisha's Rourkela. Additionally, Rs 1 lakh was given to each of the eight individuals who sustained minor injuries.

The opposition parties, including Congress, JMM, and TMC, criticised Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the accident. They urged him to prioritise passenger safety in light of this incident.

Restoration work on the remaining lines continues as authorities strive to normalise railway operations in the affected area. The derailment has highlighted ongoing concerns about railway safety and infrastructure maintenance.