Mahima Gosain Express derails near Sambalpur, no report of any casualty: Railways
SAMBALPUR: A minor derailment involving the Shalimar–Sambalpur Mahima Gosain Express (Train No. 20831) caused panic near Sambalpur City railway station on Thursday morning. Fortunately, no passengers suffered any injuries. The train’s rear trolley of a general coach jumped the tracks around 9:18 am, but the crew handled the situation quickly and prevented any major mishap.
How the Incident Happened
The train had just left Sambalpur City station when the last coach experienced a technical fault. One trolley came off the track, forcing the driver to halt the train immediately. Since the train was moving at a very slow speed, no damage occurred to the adjoining compartments.
Officials from East Coast Railway (ECoR) confirmed that all passengers were safe. “The issue involved the rear trolley of a general coach. We moved passengers to another compartment and resumed the journey,” said an ECoR spokesperson.
Quick Rescue and Recovery
The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Sambalpur reached the spot with senior officials and a technical team. Railway staff and local police assisted in shifting passengers and inspecting the affected coach. Engineers worked on the re-railment procedure and restored the train in a short time.
Passengers reported brief panic when the train stopped suddenly. However, railway staff reassured them and arranged water and food during the halt. “The staff handled everything very calmly. They shifted us quickly to another coach,” said a passenger heading to Bhubaneswar.
Impact on Train Services
The derailment caused minor delays for a few local trains. Authorities temporarily suspended traffic on the affected track to inspect the area and ensure safety. Rail services resumed by early afternoon.
Preliminary checks suggest a mechanical fault in the wheelset of the derailed coach. Engineers are examining the component in detail to confirm the exact cause. “We inspected the track thoroughly and took all steps to prevent further disruption,” said a railway engineer at the site.
Passenger Feedback
Several travelers praised the swift action of railway staff. “We were worried at first, but officials arrived quickly and explained the situation. Their quick response helped calm everyone,” said another passenger.
Railway officials set up emergency helplines for families to inquire about the safety of passengers. Information counters at key stations, including Jharsuguda and Rourkela, provided updates on train schedules.
Railways’ Assurance on Safety
Indian Railways recently increased spending on track upgrades and modern safety systems. Officials emphasized that they treat every derailment seriously, even minor ones like this. A detailed audit of the affected coach and track is already underway.
“We are investigating the cause and will take corrective action,” said a senior railway safety officer. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) may also review the case as part of routine checks.
Sambalpur’s Strategic Importance
Sambalpur serves as a major hub on the Howrah–Mumbai and Sambalpur–Titlagarh routes. Although derailments are rare in this area, this incident highlights the need for regular track and wheel maintenance. Experts believe that most derailments occur due to track faults, wheel alignment issues, or mechanical wear.
The Mahima Gosain Express connects Shalimar in West Bengal with Sambalpur, carrying hundreds of daily commuters and long-distance passengers.
Preventive Steps for Future Safety
Authorities have launched a special maintenance drive across the Sambalpur division. The campaign will focus on wheel alignment, brake systems, and track inspections. “Passenger safety will remain our top priority. We will complete all safety checks within the week,” said a senior railway official.
The derailed coach was separated for a full mechanical inspection. The remaining coaches were tested and declared fit for service before continuing their journey.
Conclusion
The derailment of the Mahima Gosain Express could have turned serious, but fast action from railway staff and engineers prevented a disaster. Their quick response and technical expertise kept passengers safe and restored normal operations within hours.
The Railways’ ongoing safety measures and investigation aim to prevent future incidents. For passengers, the strong response in Sambalpur is a reassurance that Indian Railways continues to prioritize safety and reliability.
