A significant disruption occurred on the Indian Railways network in Bihar on Saturday when eight wagons of a stationary goods train derailed. The incident took place at the Hajipur railway station, which falls under the Samastipur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) zone.
Details of the Hajipur Goods Train Derailment
The derailment was reported early in the day on December 28, 2024. According to railway officials, the wagons were part of a goods train that was not in motion at the time of the incident. The precise cause of the derailment is under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may be linked to a technical or track-related issue. Prompt action by railway staff ensured that the situation was contained within the yard area of Hajipur station.
Authorities have confirmed a crucial piece of information: no injuries or casualties were reported as a result of the derailment. Since the train was a goods carrier and not a passenger service, the immediate risk to human life was minimized. However, the incident has caused substantial logistical challenges and traffic disruptions on the affected lines.
Restoration Efforts and Impact on Rail Traffic
Immediately following the derailment, railway authorities swung into action. Dedicated restoration teams from the Samastipur division were deployed to the site. Their primary tasks involve clearing the derailed wagons from the tracks and repairing any damage to the railway infrastructure to restore normal operations as swiftly as possible.
The derailment has inevitably led to disruptions in train movement in the region. Some train services passing through the Hajipur junction are experiencing delays, cancellations, or diversions as a safety precaution. Railway officials are advising passengers to check the latest updates on their train's status through official channels before commencing their journey.
Investigation and Next Steps
While the restoration work takes priority, a formal inquiry into the cause of the accident is expected to be initiated. Officials from the East Central Railway will examine all possible angles, including the condition of the track, the rolling stock, and operational procedures. The findings will be crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This derailment in Hajipur highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining the vast and aging infrastructure of the Indian Railways, especially on busy freight corridors. It underscores the importance of continuous inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of one of the world's largest rail networks.
