Rajdhani Express derails in Bihar, no casualties

25.05.10 : At least 14 coaches of the New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Express derailed near Nawgachia railway station in Bhagalpur district of Bihar early Tuesday.

According to reports, the incident occurred at around 6:40am between Nawgachia and Kharik Railway Station, about 200 kms from here, after the driver of the Rajdhani Express reportedly heard a loud explosion and applied emergency brakes, leading to the derailment. All passengers are said to be safe.

No Maoist link to the incident has been established as yet. Officials are also reluctant to say anything about the cause of derailment. "It is too early to say anything," East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Dilip Kumar was quoted as saying by a news agency.

Due to the incident, the traffic has disrupted on the busy corridor.

A medical team has been rushed to the spot, even as there are reports suggesting that some passengers have been injured in the incident.

Also, a team of engineers and rail safety experts have also been rushed to the spot to asses the damage and carry out repair works. However, heavy rainfall in the region is hampering repair work.

Special arrangements have been done by the Railway authorities to transport the passengers of Rajdhani Express from Naugachia railway station for onward journey.

Meanwhile, Railways have set up helpline numbers in Delhi for the convenience of the passengers and their families. The New Delhi railway helpline numbers are 011-23341074, 011-23341072 and Old Delhi - 011-23967332, 011-23962389, Nawgachia 06421-211345.