Major Train Derailment at Bahanaga Bazar Station: Multiple Casualties Reported
Bahanaga Bazar – A tragic train accident shook the Bahanaga Bazar Station of the Kharagpur Division in the South Eastern Railway today at approximately 19:00 hrs. The 12864 Sir M Visveswaraya Terminal-Howrah Superfast Express derailed, colliding with the 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Coromondal Express. The collision has resulted in significant damage and casualties.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with accident relief trains equipped with medical equipment and doctors rushing to the site from Kharagpur and Bhadrak. The Additional General Manager of the South Eastern Railway, accompanied by other Principal Heads of Departments, has already departed for the accident site to oversee the situation.
To assist those affected by the accident and facilitate communication, helpline numbers have been set up at various stations. The following helpline numbers are now operational:
- Howrah: 033-26382217
- Kharagpur: 8972073925, 9332392339
- Balasore: 8249591559, 7978418322
- Shalimar: 9903370746
- Santragachi: 8109289460, 8340649469
- Bhadrak: 7894099579, 9337116373
- Jajpur Keonjhar Road: 9676974398
- Cuttack: 8455889917
- Bhubaneswar: 06742534027
- Khurda Road: 6370108046, 06742492245
The Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, expressed deep concern over the disaster train accident near Balasore and emphasized that saving the lives of injured passengers is the government’s top priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his distress regarding the train accident in Odisha. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The Prime Minister spoke with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to obtain updates on the situation and confirmed that rescue operations were underway at the accident site. He assured that all possible assistance would be provided to those affected.
The railway authorities have announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims of this unfortunate train accident in Odisha. The compensation amounts are as follows:
- ₹10 lakh in case of death
- ₹2 lakh for grievous injuries
- ₹50,000 for minor injuries
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is rushing to the site in Odisha. He expressed his prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. Rescue teams have been mobilized from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state government teams, and the Air Force. All necessary resources will be deployed to conduct the rescue operations effectively.
