20 Coaches of Sabarmati Express Derail Near Kanpur, Seven Trains Canceled, Three Diverted

Kanpur: Approximately 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen station in Uttar Pradesh on August 17, 2024, at around 2:30 a.m.. According to a Railway Board official, the incident occurred when the train’s engine struck a boulder on the track, causing significant damage to the engine’s front portion. Despite the derailment, no injuries have been reported.

Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on social media that the engine of the Sabarmati Express, traveling from Varanasi to Ahmedabad, collided with an object on the tracks, resulting in the derailment. He noted that evidence is being preserved and that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Uttar Pradesh police are investigating the incident. Passengers and staff were unharmed, and alternative arrangements are in place to continue their journey to Ahmedabad.

As a result of the derailment, seven trains have been canceled, and three others have been diverted. Chief Public Relations Officer Shashi Kant Tripathi of the North Central Railway Zone reported that buses have been deployed to transport passengers from the accident site to Kanpur Railway Station. Additionally, an eight-coach MEMU train has been dispatched from Kanpur to the site to return passengers to Kanpur for further arrangements.

The Railways have issued the following helpline numbers for assistance: Prayagraj (0532-2408128, 0532-2407353), Kanpur (0512-2323018, 0512-2323015), Gorakhpur (0551-2208088), Mirzapur (054422200097), Etawah (7525001249), Tundla (7392959702), Ahmedabad (07922113977), Banaras City (8303994411),and Jhansi Rail Division (Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Jn: 0510-2440787, 0510-2440790; Orai: 05162-252206; Banda: 05192-227543; Lalitpur Jn: 07897992404).