Train no. 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express had rear collision with stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station around 20:30 hrs on 11th October in Chennai – Guider section between Ponneri and Kavaraappettai railway stations (around 46 kms away from Chennai) of Chennai Division.
The train consisting of LHB coaches, passed Ponneri railway station at 20:27 hrs and was given green signal to run through the next station Kavaraipettai via the mainline. While entering the Kavaraipettai station, the train crew experienced heavy jerk and instead of going into the main line as per the line clear and signals given, the train entered into the loop line at 75 km/h and rear-ended the stabled goods train in the loop line.
Due to the impact, the Power Car of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express which was next to the locomotive (WAP7) caught fire, which was later doused by the fire brigade. Total 12-13 coaches have derailed in the accident. So far, no casualties are reported. All injured passengers are shifted to the nearest hospitals for further treatment. Train movement in both the directions are closed temporarily.
All the passengers have been rescued, either moved to Chennai Central to board special train to Darbhanga, or moved to hospitals as needed. Among the injured passengers, three who were grievously injured, were admitted at Stanley Medical College Hospital, and four who had simple injuries were treated at Government hospital Ponneri. All th seven passengers were given Ex-Gratia payment as per norms.
The stranded passengers of Train no. 12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagamti Express which met with the accident were transported by buses to Ponneri and to Chennai Central by two EMU special trains in early morning. At Chennai Central, Railway doctors conducted a medical check up 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 today at 4:05 hrs from Dr MGR Chennai Central.
Track restoration work at the accident spot is going on in full swing. General Manager and Add. General Manager of Southern Railway and Principal Heads of various departments and other officials of railways are at the site over seeing the track restoration work. A high level enquiry has been ordered by the Railway into the accident.
Trains diverted and rescheduled
Due to the train accident of Train no. 12578 Mysuru – Darbhaga Bagmati Express at Kavaraipettai in Chennai division, the following trains are diverted:
Train no. 12663 Howrah – Tiruchirappalli Superfast Express that left Howrah at 17:40 hrs on 10th October 2024 is diverted to run via Gudur, Renigunta, Melpakkam, Kanchipuram, Chenalpattu, Villupuram, duly skipping stoppage at Dr MR Chennai Central.
Train no. 22802 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Vishakhapatnam Express scheduled to leave at 10:00 hrs on 12th October 2024 (today) is further rescheduled to leave at 14:40 hrs (late by 4 hours and 40 minutes) and will run via diverted route of Dr MGR Chennai Central, Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurapetta.
Train no. 12656 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Ahmedabad Navjeevan Express scheduled to leave Dr MGR Chennai Central at 10:10 hrs on 12th October 2024 (today) is further rescheduled to leave at 16:30 hrs (late by 6 hrs 20 minutes) and will run via diverted route of Dr MGR Chennai Central, Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta.
Train no.22663 Chennai Egmore – Jodhpur Express scheduled to leave at 15:30 hrs on 12th October 2024 will be diverted to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta, Gudur.
Train no. 22606 Tirunelveli – Purulia Superfast Express that left Tirunelveli at 03:00 hra on 12th October 2024 will be diverted to run via Arakkonam, Renigunta, Gudur, duly skippig stoppage at Arakkonam and Perambur with additional stoppage at Tiruttani.
Train no, 12603 Dr MGR CHennai Central – Hyderabad Express scheduled to leave at 16:45 hrs on 12th October 2024 will be diverted to run via Arakkonam, Reigunta, Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta, and Nayadupetta.
Train no, 17643 Chengalpattu – Kakinada Port Circar Express scheduled to leave at 16:00 hrs on 12th October 2024 will be diverted to run via Arakkonam, Reigunta, Gudur, duly skipping stoppage at Sulurupetta, and Nayadupetta.
Train no, 12669 Dr MGR CHennai Central – CHhapra Ganga Kaveri Express scheduled to leave at 17:40 hrs on 12th October 2024 will be diverted to run via Arakkonam, Reigunta, Gudur.
Train rescheduled
Train no. 03326 Coimbatore – Dhanbad Express Special scheduled to leave at 12:55 hrs on 12th October 2024 is rescheduled to leave at 00:15 hrs on 13th October 2024 (late by 11 hours and 20 minutes) due to late running of pairing train.