Tragic Train Collision Claims Lives in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh

VIZIANAGARAM, Andhra Pradesh – In a devastating incident, a passenger train derailment occurred between Alamanda and Kantakapalle in the Vizianagaram-Kottavalasa Railway Section of the Waltair Division within the East Coast Railway Zone at approximately 19:00hrs. This incident involved two trains, the 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train, and the 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger Special. The likely cause was human error, attributed to the overshooting of a signal by the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train.

The collision resulted in the derailment of coaches of the 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train from the rear, as well as the locomotive of the 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger train. The catastrophic incident has claimed at least eight lives and left around 20 individuals injured, according to initial reports.

Rescue operations are in full swing, with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Waltair and his team on-site. Multiple Accident Relief Trains and other rescue equipment have been deployed to assist in the response effort. Helpline numbers have been issued for the convenience of those affected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken note of the situation and spoke with Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, ensuring that all possible assistance is being provided to the affected individuals. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased individual due to the train derailment. In addition, Rs. 50,000 will be provided to those who sustained minor injuries in the accident.

The rescue and restoration process is ongoing, with all passengers having been evacuated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the close coordination between state government and railway teams.

For inquiries related to the train accident near Kantakapalle, please contact the following helpline numbers:

Srikakulam Station

Railway Phone:

• 0891-2885911
• 0891-2885912
• 0891-2885913
• 0891-2885914

BSNL Number:

• 08942286245
• 08942286213

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his distress over the train collision, extending his sympathies to the families of the victims and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. This incident comes just months after the tragic Balasore Train Accident in June 2023.