Daltonganj: Two trains were cancelled and six others diverted after multiple wagons of a coal-laden freight train derailed near Rajhara railway station on Thursday. The incident disrupted power lines and halted train operations on the route under the Dhanbad railway division of the East Central Railway (ECR) zone.
Details of the Derailment
According to Daltonganj station superintendent Umesh Kumar, the 116-wagon coal train was traveling from Tori to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay station when 18 wagons derailed near pole number 302/21 while shifting from the Up line to a reversible line. The derailment occurred at approximately 1:15 pm. No crew members were injured.
Impact on Train Services
ECR officials confirmed that the Ranchi-Sasaram Intercity Express and Barwadih-Dehri-On-Sone passenger trains were cancelled. Railway sources added that more than half a dozen trains, including the Jharkhand Express for Anand Vihar Terminal, Palamu Express for Patna, Sambalpur Jammu Tawi Express, and Shaktipunj Express, were diverted. Restoration work was ongoing at the time of reporting.
Investigation and Possible Causes
An inquiry has been ordered. Railway sources indicated that possible causes under examination include axle failure, defective bearings, track defects, or mechanical faults. Officials also suspect that the train’s long haul and coal loading may have impacted stability due to center-of-gravity issues.
About the Author: MF Ahmad covers Palamu and Latehar districts and writes extensively on wildlife and human interest stories.
