A significant rail mishap occurred at the New Sirhind railway station in Fatehgarh Sahib district early Sunday morning, leading to extensive service disruptions.
The accident involved the derailment of eight coaches and two engines of a goods train, which collided with another train on the Dedicated Freight Control Corridor (DFCC) section at around 4 am. The incident also impacted a passing passenger train, resulting in injuries to two loco pilots and three passengers. The loco pilots, identified as Vikas Kumar, 37, and his assistant Himanshu Kumar, 31, both hailing from Saharanpur district, sustained severe injuries and were promptly hospitalised in Patiala. Three passengers aboard the summer special train received minor injuries and were administered first aid at a government facility in Fatehgarh Sahib before being discharged. Officials from the district administration and Punjab Police swiftly responded to the accident site to oversee rescue and restoration efforts.
The accident prompted substantial operational adjustments within the Northern Railway network. Nine passenger trains in the Ambala and Ferozepur divisions were cancelled, 55 trains were diverted, and four trains were short-terminated or short-originated. As restoration works progressed, rail traffic was rerouted via the Rajpura-Patiala-Dhuri route for connections to Ludhiana and beyond, while some trains were directed to operate on the Ambala-Chandigarh-Sahnewal route. Officials indicated that normal train operations on the affected track might resume by late night.
The collision highlights the challenges faced by the Indian Railways in managing and maintaining safety on busy freight and passenger corridors. As investigations continue to determine the cause of the accident, efforts are focused on restoring full service and ensuring the safety of railway operations. This incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols and effective crisis management strategies to minimise disruptions and safeguard passengers and railway personnel. The swift response by authorities and the coordination between various agencies reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance the resilience of India’s railway infrastructure.
