Maligaon, January 15 (MExN): Movement of trains through the site where the 15633 Bikaner – Guwahati Express derailed resumed on Saturday, the Northeast Frontier Railway informed.
“The restoration work started on war footing immediately after the rescue and relief operation completed under the supervision of senior officials from Division and HQ. Departments like the P Way, Signal & Telecom and Electrical worked tirelessly day & night to replace / restore all damaged items to start the train operation at the shortest possible time by observing all safety precautions,” NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer Guneet Kaur informed in a press release.
According to Kaur, the first goods train DN BOXN passed through the section at 2: 05 am on Saturday. Prior to that, the down line track was certified fit for train movement at 20 kmph and the first passenger carrying train 20505 DN Dibrugarh – New Delhi Rajdhani Express crossed over the affected section at 11: 53 hrs, it said.
Derailment of the 15633 Bikaner – Guwahati Express occurred at about 17-00 hrs on January 13 between New Domohani and New Mainaguri section under Alipurduar Jn Division of NF Railway zone. As a result of the derailment 9 passengers died and 36 were injured. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology reached the accident site on Friday for a spot inspection. He also visited hospitals and interacted with admitted passengers. He also assured best possible healthcare facilities to all admitted passengers. Railway has already paid ex-gratia payment at the shortest possible time, within hours of the accident, the release stated.
Meanwhile, Kaur stated that a statutory enquiry by the Commissioner of Railway safety, Northeast Frontier Circle, Kolkata (under Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India) has already been ordered to find out causes leading to the derailment and invited any member of the public, having knowledge of the accident and any other matter connected therewith, and desiring to give evidence to do so. The report of the enquiry is expected to be submitted shortly, it said, adding that as already informed by the Minister, all precautions and necessary actions will be taken so that such incidents do not reoccur.
