In a devastating event on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Bangalore-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express train derailed near the Nergundi station. Occuring in Odisha’s Cuttack district, killing one individual and injuring seven.
The derailment involved 11 coaches and occurred around 11:54 AM in the Cuttack-Nergundi Railway Section of the Khurda Road Division.
Rescue and Administration
Allegedly, when the railway authorities were notified of the accident, they immediately began rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire services were dispatched to the site.
An accident relief train and a medical relief train were sent to help the affected passengers. Officials from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) includes the General Manager and the Divisional Railway Manager of Khurda Road. Evidently, they arrived on site to supervise the relief work.
Casualties and Medical Assistance
As a result of the derailment, one passenger from Alipurduar, West Bengal was found dead. Eight others suffered injuries and were taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Unfortunately, most of the injured passengers were from either West Bengal or Assam. Other passengers received first aid at the derailment site. Three teams of doctors are treating the injured passengers.
Passenger Support and Helpline Information
In the aftermath of the event, ECoR issued helpline numbers to assist passengers and their relations:
Khurda Road: 0674-2492245
Bhubaneswar: 8455885999
Cuttack: 8991124238, 7205149591
Bhadrak: 9437443469
Palasa: 9237105480
Jajpur Keonjhar Road: 9124639558
Consequently, the intention of these helplines is to provide timely information and empathy to support the victims of the derailment.
Impact on Train Services and Restoration Efforts
The derailment resulted in a disruption of train services in the area, leading to the diversion of numerous trains. ECoR officials are arranging alternate measures to ensure the safe transport of passengers to their intended destinations.
Ongoing restoration efforts are being conducted under the direct supervision of senior railway officials in an attempt to resume train services as soon as practicable.
Official Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed sincere concern in relation to this incident. He also asked officials to restore normalcy quickly. In relation to this, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the accident.
He stated his office is in contact with the Odisha Government and Railways in relation to providing access to those who have been affected.
The investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing. A thorough investigation will be undertaken to establish what caused the derailment.
Safety Protocols and a Historic Precedent
This accident is another incident in a series of railway accidents that India is experiencing that highlight safety protocols. The notable example is the train crash in the state of Odisha (Eastern India).
Allegedly, it claimed 296 lives and left over 1,200 individuals unwell with injuries sustained on June 2, 2023. In that accident, the Coromandel Express crashed into another train. This accident raises serious safety concerns about India’s railway system.
In light of this incident, railway organizations must establish and implement effective safety protocols. Additionally, implement a plan to address regular repairs to the railways to prevent future accidents of a similar nature.
The derailment of the Bangalore-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express (December 24, 2023), near Nergundi. Clearly, it serves as a tragic reminder of underlying infrastructure weaknesses that exist in India’s railway system.
Fortunately, at least two rescue teams responded to themselves, and medical rescues responded quickly.
However, this incident highlights the urgent need to develop safety audits and safety improvements. In order to improve safety protocols and to upgrade railway system functional systems to ensure passenger safety.
