Mirzapur train accident: Services restored on Delhi-Howrah route; Railways issues advisory

Mirzapur train accident

Train operations are running smoothly on the Delhi–Howrah route after a tragic incident that occurred near Mirzapur's Chunar railway station in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

In the incident that took place at around 9:30 am, six people were run over by an incoming train. Passengers, mostly women pilgrims, who got off the Chopan Express on the track were hit by the approaching Netaji Express train.

Following the accident, the track was cleared by 10 am, and normal train movement has resumed. A safety advisory has also been issued by the Railways.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer, North Central Railway has confirmed the development. “Train movement is normal. Track cleared by 10:00 hrs,” Tripathi was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

Railways issues safety advisory

Following the incident, the national transporter issued a safety advisory, urging passengers to board and deboard trains carefully. “The Railway Administration once again appeals to all passengers to always alight from the platform side and to never attempt to cross the railway tracks under any circumstances, as this is extremely risky and unsafe. Passengers’ cooperation is essential for a safe journey,” Railway said in its advisory.

Earlier in the day, the zonal railway said: “A very tragic incident occurred at Chunar Station (Prayagraj Division, North Central Railway). Train number 13309 (Chhapra-Prayagraj Passenger) stopped at platform number 4 of Chunar Station at approximately 9:15 am today. Some passengers, in a hurry, alighted onto the tracks instead of the platform. Although the station has a foot overbridge. At the same time, train number 12311 Netaji Express, which was passing through Line 3 (Main Line), struck some passengers. A total of six passengers died in this unfortunate incident. Upon receiving information about the incident, the railway administration immediately took necessary action. Railway officials, RPF, GRP, and civil administration present at the station reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The relatives of the deceased are being identified, and all bodies have been sent to Mirzapur for post-mortem."