Tamil Nadu: Train Services Resume After Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Derailment at Ponneri-Kavarappettai

Train services at Ponneri Kavarappettai railway stations, located approximately 46 kilometers from Chennai, have resumed after being temporarily halted due to a derailment involving the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express. The derailment occurred on Friday evening when the express train collided with a goods train, resulting in the derailment of 12-13 coaches. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though 19 people sustained injuries in the incident.

Details of the Incident

The collision took place on Friday evening at the Ponneri Kavarappettai section of the Chennai Division, which caused significant disruption to the train services in the area. The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express, train no. 12578, was traveling when it collided with a stationary goods train, leading to the derailment of multiple coaches. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, and the injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention. According to officials, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Railway authorities confirmed that 19 passengers sustained injuries in the accident. The Indian Railways team and emergency services were quick to respond, and after hours of work, the tracks have been cleared and services have resumed. The authorities have assured that necessary assistance was provided to the affected passengers.

Resumption of Train Services

After an extensive clearance operation and repairs to the damaged tracks, train services at the Ponneri-Kavarappettai section have been restored. This came as a relief to commuters who were stranded due to the disruption. The Southern Railway has announced that all services in the Chennai Division are back on track, and efforts are being made to ensure smooth and safe travel for passengers.

Officials from the Southern Railway said, “Our teams have worked tirelessly to restore services at the Ponneri-Kavarappettai section. We are grateful that no lives were lost, and our priority now is to provide support to those injured and to make sure that such incidents do not occur in the future.”

Ongoing Investigations

Indian Railways has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that a signal failure or miscommunication might have led to the goods train being on the same track as the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express. The authorities are also reviewing safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future.

The Railway Ministry has assured that all aspects of the incident will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. Railway officials are also working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected families.

Relief and Response Measures

In the aftermath of the accident, Indian Railways provided immediate relief measures, including medical assistance to the injured and alternate travel arrangements for passengers who were affected. Compensation and aid packages have also been announced for those injured in the incident. The Southern Railway has emphasized that the safety of passengers remains its top priority, and it is committed to ensuring a secure travel experience for all.

The derailment of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express was a significant incident, but the prompt response from the Indian Railways and emergency services has helped mitigate the situation. With train services now back on track at Ponneri-Kavarappettai, the focus remains on investigating the cause of the collision and ensuring that stringent safety measures are implemented to prevent future accidents. The injured passengers are receiving medical care, and authorities are providing ongoing support to those affected by the accident.