A significant disruption hit one of India's busiest rail corridors on Saturday after multiple wagons of a goods train jumped the tracks in Bihar. The incident has thrown train schedules into disarray, affecting passenger services on the critical Delhi-Howrah route.
Details of the Buxar Derailment Incident
The derailment occurred near Raghunathpur station in Bihar's Buxar district. According to railway officials, eight wagons of a stationary goods train derailed in the early hours of the morning. The train was not moving at the time of the incident, which likely prevented a more serious accident.
Authorities were immediately alerted, and teams from the railway's engineering and mechanical departments rushed to the site. The primary focus is on clearing the tracks to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible. An investigation into the exact cause of the derailment is underway, with initial assessments pointing towards potential issues with the track or rolling stock.
Widespread Impact on Rail Traffic
The derailment has had a cascading effect on train operations across the region. The affected line is a crucial segment of the Delhi-Howrah main route, which handles a high volume of long-distance passenger and freight trains.
As a result of the blocked tracks, several trains have been diverted, while others are facing delays or have been rescheduled. Railway authorities are working on alternative routing plans to minimize passenger inconvenience. Commuters are advised to check with official Indian Railways sources for real-time updates on their train's status.
No injuries or casualties were reported in the accident, as the involved wagons were empty or carrying goods. This marks a fortunate aspect of an otherwise disruptive event.
Restoration Efforts and Next Steps
Restoration work is in full swing at the derailment site. Heavy machinery, including cranes and repair equipment, has been deployed to lift the derailed wagons and repair the damaged track infrastructure. Railway engineers are working round-the-clock to normalize operations.
Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of maintaining India's vast and aging rail network, which is under constant pressure from increasing traffic. Safety audits and timely maintenance of tracks, especially on high-density routes, remain a critical priority for Indian Railways to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Passengers traveling on routes through Bihar are experiencing significant delays, and the full restoration of normal traffic may take several more hours. The railway administration has apologized for the inconvenience caused to the public.
