Three Coaches of Ujjaini Express Derail Near Rishikesh
In a late-night incident on Monday, three coaches of the Ujjaini Express derailed near the Yog Nagri railway station close to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The derailment occurred at approximately 9:40 pm, and fortunately, there were no passengers on board at the time, resulting in no casualties.
Incident Details
The Ujjaini Express, which runs between Ujjain and Yog Nagri Rishikesh, was nearing its destination when the rear three coaches derailed. Railway officials confirmed that the train was not carrying passengers in the affected coaches, as they were empty. The engine and other coaches remained on the tracks.
Emergency response teams, including railway police and local authorities, rushed to the site immediately after the incident. Senior railway officials also arrived to oversee the rescue and restoration operations. Passengers on the other coaches were safely evacuated and provided with alternative arrangements.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the derailment is not yet known, and an investigation has been ordered. Preliminary reports suggest a possible track defect or technical malfunction, but nothing has been confirmed. The Commissioner of Railway Safety will conduct a detailed inquiry.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister expressed relief that no lives were lost and directed officials to ensure swift restoration of services. The railway ministry has announced compensation for any damage caused and assured a thorough investigation.
Impact on Train Services
The derailment disrupted train services on the route, with several trains delayed or diverted. Restoration work began early Tuesday morning, and railway authorities expect normal operations to resume within 24 hours. Passengers were advised to check updated schedules before traveling.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about railway safety in India. The Indian Railways has been undertaking modernization and safety upgrades, but accidents like this underscore the need for continued vigilance and infrastructure improvement.
