Tragedy strikes as Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derails near Odisha’s Nergundi Junction

A tragic accident struck India‘s railway network on March 30, 2025, when the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express derailed near Nergundi Junction in Odisha’s Cuttack district. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:54 AM, led to the derailment of eleven coaches, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to at least eight others. The train was traveling from Bengaluru to Kamakhya in Assam when it went off the tracks in the Cuttack-Nergundi railway section under the Khurda Road division of East Coast Railway.

The severity of the derailment prompted an immediate response from railway authorities. Emergency medical teams and accident relief trains were dispatched to the location to assist the injured and coordinate rescue efforts. Officials stated that an investigation had been launched to determine the precise cause of the accident.

How Did Authorities Respond to the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express Derailment?

As soon as the derailment was reported, railway authorities and local emergency services mobilized to the scene. Senior officials from the East Coast Railway, including the General Manager and Divisional Railway Manager of Khurda Road, arrived at the site to oversee relief and rescue operations.

Medical teams worked quickly to treat the injured. While some passengers received first aid at the scene, others with more severe injuries were referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for specialized care. The East Coast Railway also arranged a special train to transport stranded passengers to their destinations.

In addition to medical assistance, railway authorities initiated rerouting efforts to minimize disruptions to train schedules. Several trains were diverted to alternative routes while teams worked on restoring the affected railway line.

How Common Are Train Derailments in India?

Train derailments have been a persistent challenge for Indian Railways, which operates one of the world’s largest railway networks. While the frequency of major derailments has decreased in recent years due to improved safety measures, accidents like the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derailment highlight the ongoing risks faced by passengers.

Historically, India has witnessed several catastrophic train accidents. One of the worst was the 1981 Bihar train disaster, in which an overcrowded passenger train derailed and plunged into a river, killing over 800 people. More recently, in June 2023, a triple train collision in Odisha’s Balasore district resulted in over 300 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries.

Data from railway safety reports indicate that derailments account for a significant percentage of railway accidents in India. Track defects, equipment failures, and human errors are among the leading causes. Despite continuous upgrades to infrastructure, many accidents still occur due to aging railway tracks and overcrowded rail corridors.

What Are the Leading Causes of Train Derailments in India?

The derailment of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express has once again raised concerns about railway safety and maintenance in India. While the exact cause of this accident remains under investigation, common factors that contribute to train derailments include track defects, mechanical failures, human error, and external factors. Poorly maintained tracks, misaligned rails, and structural weaknesses have been identified as primary causes of derailments in India, with the rapid expansion of the railway network often outpacing maintenance efforts. Mechanical failures, such as faulty braking systems and defective coupling mechanisms, can also lead to such accidents.

Human error plays a significant role in train derailments, with mistakes by train operators, miscommunication between railway personnel, and signaling failures contributing to incidents. External factors, including extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding, have also been known to impact railway operations and increase the risk of derailments. Given these challenges, Indian Railways has been working to mitigate risks through continuous monitoring and investments in technology-driven safety enhancements.

What Measures Has Indian Railways Taken to Improve Safety?

Over the past decade, Indian Railways has implemented several reforms aimed at reducing accidents and improving passenger safety. A significant decline in major railway accidents has been observed, with consequential train accidents dropping from 135 in 2014-15 to just 30 in 2024-25. This improvement can be attributed to various safety initiatives, including track renewal projects, the implementation of the Kavach safety system, the construction of dedicated freight corridors, railway electrification, and the introduction of modern coaches.

Track renewal projects have been prioritized to strengthen infrastructure, with continuous monitoring systems being put in place to detect faults before they lead to derailments. The Kavach safety system, an automatic train protection system, has been introduced to prevent collisions and overspeeding. Dedicated freight corridors have been developed to separate goods and passenger train operations, reducing congestion on passenger routes and improving overall railway efficiency.

Electrification of railway lines has played a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency while reducing reliance on outdated diesel-powered locomotives. Additionally, the introduction of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which are designed to absorb impact more effectively than conventional coaches, has helped mitigate the severity of accidents. Despite these advancements, railway experts continue to stress the need for stricter maintenance schedules, increased investment in infrastructure, and greater adoption of artificial intelligence in predictive safety systems to further enhance railway safety in India.

How Will the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express Derailment Impact Future Safety Policies?

The derailment of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express is expected to intensify scrutiny over railway safety measures and maintenance practices. Following the accident, an official inquiry was launched to assess potential lapses in infrastructure, signaling, and operational procedures.

Government officials and railway experts have emphasized the need for continued modernization of India’s railway network. This includes increasing the frequency of track inspections, deploying more automated safety monitoring systems, and accelerating the adoption of high-speed rail technologies. The importance of enhanced safety drills, better emergency response training for railway staff, and improved onboard safety measures has also been highlighted as areas requiring further attention.

As authorities work to restore normalcy following the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derailment, the broader conversation around railway safety in India will continue. With millions of passengers relying on trains daily, the need for a secure and efficient railway system remains a top priority.