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20 Coaches of Sabarmati Express Derail Near Govindpuri, Investigation Underway
At least 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur early Saturday morning. The derailment occurred around 2:35 am after the train’s engine struck an object on the tracks. However, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities.
The train, en route from Varanasi to Ahmedabad, went off the rails between Kanpur and Bhimsen stations. According to railway officials, the engine's cattle guard was severely damaged after hitting what was described as a boulder. "The loco pilot reported that a boulder struck the cattle guard at the front of the engine, causing significant damage and bending," an official said.
Rescue and relief operations are underway. Due to the derailment, seven trains have been canceled, and three have been diverted. To assist passengers, buses have been organized to transport them from the accident site to Kanpur Railway Station. Additionally, an eight-coach MEMU train has been sent from Kanpur to help return passengers to the city for further arrangements.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the incident, stating that the engine collided with an object on the track. “Sharp hit marks are observed. Evidence is protected. IB and UP police are also working on it. No injuries to passengers or staff. Train arranged for passengers for onward journey to Ahmedabad,” he posted on X.
The Railway Board is investigating the incident and is considering the involvement of miscreants or anti-social elements. "We found a foreign material near the 16th coach of the train. Given the extent of the damage to the engine’s cattle guard, it seems likely that the engine struck this object and derailed," an official explained.
For passenger support, the Railways have provided several helpline numbers, including those for Prayagraj, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Etawah, Tundla, Ahmedabad, Banaras City, and Gorakhpur. Additionally, helplines for the Jhansi Rail Division are available for Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Jn, Orai, Banda, and Lalitpur Jn.
Authorities continue to probe the cause of the derailment, with particular attention on whether foul play was involved. It is notable that a Patna-Indore train had passed over the same tracks just over an hour before the derailment occurred.
