Cuttack: Seven passengers were injured on Sunday when the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed in Odisha’s Cuttack district, officials reported.
The incident occurred at 11:54 am near Nirgundi, close to Manguli, with 11 coaches going off the tracks, according to Ashok Kumar Mishra, Chief Public Relations Officer of the East Coast Railway.
Odisha Fire Service Director-General Sudhansu Sarangi confirmed that seven injured individuals were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital.
He added, “The total number of injured persons is unlikely to exceed 10.”
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Fire Service assisted in the rescue efforts.
A relief train was dispatched to the site, and railway officials are working to restore normal operations.
The train was en route from Bengaluru to Kamakhya station in Guwahati, Assam. Mishra stated that arrangements are being made to help affected passengers reach their destinations.
“Our top priority is restoring the line quickly. In the meantime, other trains are being diverted,” he said.
Three trains — Dhauli Express, Neelachal Express, and Purulia Express — were rerouted due to the derailment.
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The railways have activated helpline numbers, 8455885999 and 8991124238, to assist passengers and their families.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said his office is in touch with the Odisha government following the train accident in the coastal state.
“I am aware of the incident involving 12551 Kamakhya Express in Odisha. @CMOfficeAssam is in touch with the Odisha Government and Railways. We will reach out to each and every person who is affected,” Sarma said in a post on X.
