Good Train derails near Jamui in Bihar
By Alok Mohit
Patna: Railway services on the Howrah–Patna–Delhi route were severely disrupted after a goods train carrying cement derailed late Saturday night on the Jasidih–Jhajha section in Bihar’s Jamui district.
The accident, which occurred near Telwa Bazar Halt between Lahabon and Simultala stations under the Asansol division of Eastern Railway, brought train movement on both the Up and Down lines to a halt, affecting passenger and freight services on one of eastern India’s busiest railway corridors.
Railway sources said the derailment took place at around 11.30 pm on December 27 when a freight train travelling from Jasidih to Jhajha suddenly jumped the tracks while crossing a bridge over the Badua River. Initial reports said around 10 wagons derailed, while later assessments indicated that as many as 17 wagons were affected. At least three wagons reportedly fell off the bridge into the river, while several others piled up on the tracks, scattering cement bags across the bridge and nearby areas.
As a result of the accident, train operations on the Kiul–Jasidih and Jasidih–Jhajha sections came to a standstill. Many express and passenger trains were detained at different stations, including Jhajha and Jasidih, leading to long delays and inconvenience to passengers. There were, however, no reports of casualties.
Railway officials said Accident Relief Trains and technical teams from Asansol, Madhupur and Jhajha were rushed to the site soon after information about the derailment was received. Rescue operations were initiated on a war footing despite the difficult terrain and night-time conditions. Senior officials of Eastern Railway said cranes and heavy machinery were deployed to clear the wagons and restore the damaged track and bridge structure.
In a press release issued by Eastern Railway on Sunday, the authorities confirmed that train movement between Lahabon and Simultala on the Jasidih–Jhajha section remained affected due to obstruction on the track. As a result, 34 pairs of long-distance and local trains were either cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated.
The release said trains cancelled for journeys commencing on December 28 included the Howrah–Dehradun Kumbha Express, Sealdah–Ballia Express, Mokama–Howrah Express, and several MEMU services operating between Jasidih, Jhajha, Mokama and Deoghar. Key long-distance trains, including the Howrah–New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Howrah–Patna Vande Bharat Express, were diverted via alternative routes through Dhanbad and Gaya, with additional stoppages announced en route, the press release added.
Other major diversions, according to the release, included the Tatanagar–Buxar Express, Asansol–Mumbai CSMT Express, Patna–Hatia Patliputra Express and several trains connecting Bihar with eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Telangana. A few passenger services were short-terminated or short-originated at Jhajha to manage operational constraints.
Eastern Railway officials said passenger train services originating from Jhajha station were expected to operate as scheduled, though delays and rescheduling could continue over the next two days. Passengers were advised to check the latest train status before commencing their journeys.
While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be established, railway authorities said a detailed technical investigation has been initiated to examine the condition of the track, bridge and rolling stock. “All angles are being looked into, and corrective measures will be taken based on the findings,” an official said.
Meanwhile, railway helplines and control rooms were flooded with queries from stranded passengers seeking information about delays and diversions. Restoration teams continued their efforts through Sunday, with officials expressing hope that at least one line would be restored at the earliest to partially resume traffic on the crucial section.
About the Author
Alok Mohit is a senior journalist based in Patna with decades of experience in mainstream journalism. He has previously served as Senior News Editor at Hindustan Times, Patna, and later at Hindustan Times, Chandigarh, where he played a key role in shaping news coverage and editorial direction. Known for his in-depth understanding of socio-political issues and strong editorial judgement, he continues to contribute insightful analysis and reporting on matters of public interest.
About the Author
