Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express Derailment: 1 Dead, 7 Injured in Odisha – Full Report & Latest Updates

 Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express Derails in Odisha: 1 Dead, 7 Injured

Major Train Accident in Odisha – Detailed Report

Odisha, March 30, 2025 – A tragic railway accident occurred in Odisha's Cuttack district when the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express derailed near Nergundi station. The mishap, which took place at approximately 11:54 AM, resulted in the death of a 22-year-old passenger from Alipurduar, West Bengal, and left at least seven others injured. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident while ensuring that the injured receive proper medical care.

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Details of the Train Derailment

The accident occurred when 11 coaches of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express, running from Bengaluru in Karnataka to Kamakhya in Assam, derailed due to a suspected track defect in an area undergoing maintenance. Eyewitnesses reported a loud noise followed by a violent jolt before the train came to a halt.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Response

Immediately after the derailment, railway officials, along with local authorities, launched an extensive rescue operation. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) were deployed to assist in evacuating stranded passengers.

Railway Authorities’ Immediate Action

The Indian Railways mobilized special teams to clear the debris and restore normal operations. Within hours, emergency medical teams arrived at the scene to provide first aid and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

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Casualties and Injuries

According to official reports, one passenger lost his life, while seven others suffered injuries. The injured were swiftly transported to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where they are receiving treatment. Authorities have assured that they are monitoring the health conditions of the victims closely.

Names of Injured and Deceased

While officials have yet to release a full list of casualties, preliminary reports confirm that the deceased was a 22-year-old male from Alipurduar, West Bengal. Families of the victims have been notified, and arrangements are being made to support them during this difficult time.

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Government Response and Compensation

The Indian Railways has announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims:

₹5 lakh for the family of the deceased.

₹2.5 lakh for those who sustained grievous injuries.

₹50,000 for passengers with minor injuries.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and has assured that the state government will bear the medical expenses of the injured. The Chief Minister also directed authorities to ensure a smooth and quick rescue operation.

Additional Relief Measures

Special railway helplines have been set up to assist affected passengers and their families.

The state government has allocated additional funds to aid the victims.

NGOs and local volunteers have come forward to provide food, water, and other essentials to stranded passengers.

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Investigation Underway

A preliminary probe suggests that the derailment may have been caused by a fault in the railway track, which was reportedly under maintenance. The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has launched a detailed investigation into the accident. A team of railway experts is examining whether negligence, poor maintenance, or structural issues contributed to the derailment.

Possible Causes of the Accident

Track defects: Initial reports indicate that a fault in the railway tracks, possibly due to maintenance work, led to the accident.

Speeding concerns: Investigators are also examining whether the train was moving at a higher-than-recommended speed at the time of the derailment.

Signaling failures: Experts are checking if any communication errors led to the train taking an unsafe route.

Human error: Investigations will determine whether any operational lapses contributed to the derailment.

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Disruption of Train Services

Following the accident, several trains running on this route were either canceled or diverted. The railway authorities have initiated restoration work, but delays are expected for the next few days as tracks are being repaired and safety measures are being reassessed.

Trains Affected

The Howrah-Bangalore Express has been diverted via a different route.

The Guwahati-Chennai Express was delayed by over 6 hours.

Several local passenger trains were temporarily canceled.

Passengers traveling through affected routes have been advised to check railway updates regularly.

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Eyewitness Accounts

Passengers who survived the derailment shared their experiences. A commuter traveling in one of the affected coaches described the moment of impact:

"The train was moving at a normal speed when suddenly, there was a loud bang. Within seconds, people were thrown off their seats, and the train shook violently. It was terrifying."

Another passenger recounted how he helped injured travelers escape from the damaged coaches:

"There was panic everywhere. Some people were trapped under seats, while others were trying to get out through the windows. Fortunately, local residents and railway staff came quickly to help."

Local residents near Nergundi station also played a crucial role in assisting passengers, providing drinking water and temporary shelter.

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Railway Safety Concerns

This derailment has once again raised concerns about railway safety in India. In recent years, India has witnessed several train accidents due to track defects, signaling failures, and maintenance issues. Experts suggest that better monitoring, improved infrastructure, and advanced technology are needed to enhance safety on Indian railways.

Recent Railway Accidents in India

2023 Odisha Train Collision: A triple-train collision in Balasore resulted in over 280 fatalities and was caused by a signaling error.

2024 Uttar Pradesh Derailment: A passenger train derailed due to track failure, leading to 18 deaths.

2024 Tamil Nadu Express Fire: A short circuit caused a major fire onboard, claiming multiple lives.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for railway safety reforms.

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Government Plans for Railway Safety Improvements

To prevent future accidents, the Ministry of Railways has announced:

Investment in AI-based track monitoring systems.

Upgrading old railway tracks with advanced materials.

Regular audits of railway infrastructure.

Implementation of high-speed braking systems in all express trains.

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Conclusion

The Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailment is a stark reminder of the need for stronger railway safety measures. As investigations continue, passengers and families of victims await justice and improved safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Authorities have urged passengers traveling on the affected routes to check for updates regarding train schedules and alternate arrangements. Further updates on the investigation and rescue operations will be provided as more information emerges.

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How to Stay Safe While Traveling by Train

Passengers can take several precautions to ensure their safety while traveling by train:

Always check the railway schedule and updates before departure.

Avoid standing near train doors and exits when the train is in motion.

Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and safety measures onboard.

Report any unusual sounds, vibrations, or other safety concerns to railway authorities.

Keep emergency contact numbers ha

ndy in case of an accident.

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Stay tuned for further updates on this tragic railway accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.