Rail traffic in Jharkhand came to a grinding halt after 20 wagons of a goods train derailed in the early hours of Saturday, causing massive disruption to freight and passenger services. The incident occurred near the Sidhwar railway station in Ramgarh district, sending shockwaves through the region’s transport network.
According to preliminary reports, the goods train—carrying coal to a thermal power plant—was moving at a moderate speed when several wagons suddenly jumped the tracks. The derailment caused extensive damage to railway lines and overhead equipment, leaving mangled wagons scattered across the trackside. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the crew managed to avoid any immediate danger.
Railway officials rushed to the site, deploying heavy machinery to remove the derailed wagons and repair the damaged tracks. Restoration work is currently underway, but authorities have warned that normal services could take several hours, if not longer, to resume. Several passenger trains have been delayed, diverted, or cancelled as a result.
A senior railway official confirmed that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the derailment. Early speculation points towards track defects or a mechanical failure in one of the wagons, though official conclusions will only come after the investigation.
Local commuters and traders have expressed concern over the disruption, as the route is a vital link for transporting coal, minerals, and industrial goods across eastern India. The incident underscores the importance of timely track maintenance and modern safety systems to prevent such large-scale mishaps.
As repair teams work round-the-clock, authorities are urging passengers to check train schedules before traveling. The Railway Ministry has assured that every possible measure is being taken to restore services and minimize inconvenience to the public.
