Assam Train Derailment: Kolkata-Sarang Express Derails Near Digaru; 50 Injured Reported, Officials Launch Relief Ops

In a major rail mishap, the engine and five coaches of the Kolkata-Sarang Express derailed in the Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 6:54 AM near the Digaru railway station. While local reports suggest that nearly 50 passengers sustained injuries, railway authorities have not yet officially confirmed any casualties or injuries. Immediately following the derailment, relief and rescue operations were initiated at the site. To ensure stranded commuters reach their destinations safely, railway authorities arranged an alternative train to resume their journey. Senior officials, including the General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, rushed to the spot to inspect the situation and oversee rescue measures. Locals Suspect Brake Failure, Call for Investigation An eyewitness and local resident recounted arriving at the scene shortly after hearing the news while on a morning walk. Located approximately 500 meters from Digaru railway station, six train coaches—including the engine—were seen off the tracks. Residents expressed concern over the safety mechanism, suspecting that a potential brake failure might have triggered the accident. Although the derailment occurred near a residential zone, no damage to property or nearby homes was reported. Locals have urged the Ministry of Railways and Maligaon-based Northeast Frontier Railway officials to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and fix accountability, highlighting that technical failures like engine brake malfunctions are critical issues in modern railway operations. Recent Rail Disruptions Reported Across States This derailment follows a series of recent railway incidents reported in other parts of the country: Gujarat Freight Train Derailment: On Monday night, two wheels of an empty freight train heading from Dahod toward Jakot derailed near Dhedela in Gujarat. The incident delayed two Delhi-bound trains and disrupted traffic along the lower line. Railway teams promptly completed track repair works, and no injuries were reported. Runaway Coaches in Tamil Nadu: In Tirupattur district, Tamil Nadu, seven empty, uncoupled coaches rolled away without an engine from the Jolarpettai Junction yard. The coaches traveled nearly six kilometers before derailing near Thamleri Muthur. Railway officials temporarily halted several Bengaluru-Jolarpettai trains at various stations to avert a potential collision.