Nagpur-Mumbai Duronto Express derailment LIVE updates: Nine coaches and the locomotive of the Nagpur-Mumbai Duronto Express derailed between Vasind and Asangaon stations in Titwala, Thane district in Maharashtra. The derailment occurred at around 6:40 am on 29 August. No casualties were reported in the accident.
- Nine coaches and the locomotive of the Nagpur-Mumbai Duronto Express derailed on Tuesday morning
- No casualties were reported in the accident, which occurred at around 6:40 am
- Central Railways confirmed that the derailment was caused by rains and landslides in Nashik
- Incessant rains hampered rescue operations
- 31 trains diverted, 15 cancelled and six have been re-scheduled
31 Trains Diverted Post Derailment
The PR department of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus said on Tuesday that 31 trains have been diverted, 15 cancelled and six re-scheduled due to the derailment.
Railway Board Chairman: 'Safety' to be Indian Railways' Focus
Safety will be the focus area of the Indian Railways, which is at a critical juncture and faces an "image perception" problem, newly-appointed Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani has said.
Lohani said in a letter to employees said that the Indian Railways had suffered a "serious dent" in the recent past due to "certain unfortunate incidents". His letter dated 28 August, before the fourth derailment in 10 days this morning – also indicated at reforms in the country's largest passenger carrier. He said:
We have to always be on our guard to ensure the highest level of safety in train operations and instill a renewed sense of confidence in our esteemed passengers.
Track Repair Underway
Ashwani Lohani, the chairman of the Railway Board, said the repair work has already been initiated.
Locomotive and nine coaches derailed, prima facie suggests landslide engulfed tracks; Repair work at the site started. No passengers injured. Buses have been arranged to take stranded passengers to Mumbai.
Rain, Landslides Blamed for Mishap
The Central Railways confirmed that the derailment was caused by rains and landslides in Nashik. Sudden landslides caused the derailment, the chief PRO said, adding that the driver did an “excellent job” by applying the emergency brakes.
Rescue operations were hampered by incessant rains, as rescue personnel were kept from reaching the spot even an hour-and-a-half after the incident.