Bangalore-Kamakhya Express accident in Odisha on March 30, 2025, when 11 coaches of the Bangalore-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express derailed near Nergundi Station in Cuttack district. The derailment, which occurred around 11:54 AM, resulted in the death of one passenger and left seven others injured. The incident led to a swift emergency response from authorities, who rushed to the site to assist passengers and begin restoration work.
Bangalore-Kamakhya Express: Immediate Rescue and Medical Assistance
Following the derailment, rescue operations were launched immediately. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire services were deployed to the scene. A relief train was sent to aid passengers and clear the wreckage. Railway officials, medical teams, and emergency personnel arrived quickly to provide assistance.
Ashok Kumar Mishra, a senior railway official, stated that all necessary resources had been mobilized to ensure swift aid to those affected. The injured passengers were taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment.
According to Subash Chandra Ray, an administrative officer at the hospital, three teams of doctors were engaged in treating the injured. While the identity of the deceased was initially unknown, later reports confirmed that the victim was a resident of Alipurduar, West Bengal.
Several passengers sustained minor injuries and were provided first aid at the Bangalore-Kamakhya Express site before being discharged. Most of the injured individuals were from West Bengal and Assam.
Officials Respond to the Tragedy
As the scale of the accident became clear, top railway officials rushed to the site. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Khurda Road, the General Manager of East Coast Railway (ECoR), and other senior officials visited the Bangalore-Kamakhya Express accident site to assess the situation.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued a statement expressing concern over the Bangalore-Kamakhya Express accident. He directed railway and disaster response teams to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. The state government is coordinating efforts with railway authorities to ensure passengers receive the necessary support.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also reacted to the incident, stating that his office was in touch with the Odisha government and railway officials to assist the affected passengers in this Bangalore-Kamakhya Express accident .
“I am aware of the incident involving the 12551 Kamakhya Express in Odisha. @CMOfficeAssam is in touch with the Odisha Government and Railways. We will reach out to every affected individual,” Sarma said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Railway Helpline Numbers and Passenger Assistance
The Indian Railways issued emergency helpline numbers for passengers and their families seeking information about the Bangalore-Kamakhya Express accident:
- 8455885999
- 8991124238
Travellers can call these numbers for assistance, travel updates, or to check on the well-being of their relatives.
Train Services Disrupted, Restoration Efforts Underway
Due to the derailment, several trains were diverted, causing disruptions in rail services along the affected route. Among the diverted trains were:
- Dhauli Express
- Neelachal Express
- Purulia Express
Railway officials are making alternate travel arrangements for stranded passengers. Once evacuation and rescue efforts are completed, track restoration work will begin to ensure normal rail operations resume swiftly.
Investigation into the Cause of the Bangalore-Kamakhya Express Derailment
As of now, the exact cause of the Bangalore-Kamakhya Express derailment remains under investigation. Railway authorities are examining possible factors that could have contributed to the accident, including:
- Track defects or maintenance issues
- Mechanical failure in the train’s coaches
- Human error or operational lapses
Authorities have assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to identify the root cause and implement preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Past Train Accidents in Odisha
This derailment is a grim reminder of past railway accidents in Odisha. In June 2023, one of India’s worst rail disasters occurred when a collision involving the Coromandel Express, SMVT Bengaluru-Howrah Express, and a goods train in Balasore resulted in over 290 deaths and 1,000 injuries.
Following that tragedy, safety concerns in the railway sector have been under heightened scrutiny. The latest derailment adds to the list of rail accidents in the region, raising questions about track maintenance, safety inspections, and modernization efforts.
Government’s Efforts to Improve Rail Safety
In recent years, the Indian Railways has invested heavily in improving safety measures, such as:
- Installation of Kavach (Automatic Train Protection) systems
- Track maintenance and upgradation projects
- Regular safety audits and monitoring
- Better emergency response preparedness
Despite these efforts, accidents continue to occur, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and strict adherence to railway maintenance standards.
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The Bangalore-Kamakhya Express derailment has once again shaken public confidence in railway safety. While rescue efforts were swift, the loss of life and injuries serve as a reminder of the challenges Indian Railways faces in ensuring safe travel.
Authorities must now focus on a thorough investigation and implement corrective measures to prevent such accidents in the future. Meanwhile, the families of the victims await justice and assurance that such tragedies will not repeat.
