Chennai: First train since derailment incident, runs through Kavaraipettai railway station

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 13 (ANI): The first train since the derailment incident on Friday, passed through the Up main line at Ponneri-Kavarappetai railway station, after being cleared by the Southern Railway on Sunday morning.

This comes after 12-13 coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed after a collision with a goods train on Friday. As many as 19 people sustained injuries, but no fatalities were reported.

Meanwhile, the restoration work is underway at Ponneri- Kavarappettai railway stations in Chennai Division, which is around 46 km from Chennai.

On October 12, the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Southern Circle, Anant Madhukar Chowdhary inspected the site of the October 11 accident.

“I came here to investigate. I have to first check the site, take statements from various people and then come to a conclusion. The inquiry will start next week,” Chowdhary told reporters.

“At present, I have only seen the site. Let me first investigate, then only some conclusion can be drawn,” he added.

Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh had earlier said that the restoration is expected to be completed by Saturday night.

“Despite this serious incident, we are fortunate not to have any causality. Nobody is in danger, a few suffered minor fractures and they are getting treatment, all will be discharged from the hospital by evening. By tonight, the restoration will be completed,” RN Singh said while speaking to reporters earlier.

According to officials, the stranded passengers of Train No.12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express which met the accident at Kavaraipettai in Chennai Division around 08.30 pm on 11th October 2024 were transported by buses to Ponneri and Chennai Central by two EMU Specials in early morning.

At Chennai Central, Railway doctors conducted a medical checkup for the passengers, after which they were provided food and water and were boarded onto the Passenger Special towards Darbhanga, via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur.

The special Train left at 04.45 hrs from Dr MGR Chennai Central. A high-level enquiry has been ordered by the Railway into the accident.

Due to the accident, several trains were rescheduled and diverted.