The **Sabarmati Express Derailment** near Kanpur on Friday evening sent waves of panic among passengers, though a major tragedy was averted as all passengers and crew were reported safe. This incident, involving two coaches of the Muzaffarpur-bound Train No. 15269, has once again put railway safety procedures under intense scrutiny.

This comprehensive report breaks down the incident, the swift response, the ongoing investigation, and the wider impact on rail traffic.

Incident Timeline

• 4:20 PM: Two coaches of Train 15269 derail while entering the loop line at Bhaupur station.
• 4:25 PM: The station master alerts the central control room in Prayagraj, triggering the emergency protocol.
• 4:45 PM: Local Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel reach the site.
• 5:15 PM: An Accident Relief Train (ART) with heavy equipment is dispatched from Kanpur.
• 6:00 PM: The ART arrives; technical staff begin assessment and restoration preparations.
• 8:00 PM: Unaffected coaches are detached and cleared to continue their journey with the passengers.
• 10:00 PM: Restoration work to re-rail the coaches is in full swing.

What Happened: The Derailment in Detail

The incident took place in the Panki-Bhaupur section of the highly congested Kanpur-Delhi corridor. The Sabarmati Jansadharan Express was being guided onto a loop line, a common practice to allow a faster or priority train to pass on the main line.

As the train moved at a cautionary speed of approximately 15 km/h, the fifth and sixth coaches from the engine—a general second-class coach (GS) and an S4 sleeper coach—jumped the tracks. The low speed was a critical factor in preventing the coaches from toppling over, which would have almost certainly resulted in serious casualties.

“We felt a sudden, heavy jolt followed by a loud scraping sound,” recounted a passenger, Ramesh Kumar. “Everyone was scared, but the train stopped quickly. We are thankful that our speed was low.”

The Official Rescue and Response Operation

The railway’s disaster management protocol was activated swiftly. Senior officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Prayagraj Division, immediately rushed to the site to oversee operations.

Passengers were calmly evacuated from the derailed coaches and shifted to the unaffected front portion of the train. Refreshments and medical attention were provided on-site. For passengers wishing to deboard at Kanpur, special bus services were arranged from a nearby road access point.

The quick mobilization of the Accident Relief Train was key to beginning the restoration work promptly, with the goal of clearing the vital loop line before morning to minimize traffic disruption.

Investigation into the Sabarmati Express Derailment

A high-level inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has been ordered to ascertain the precise cause of this **Sabarmati Express Derailment**. While official conclusions are pending, investigators will focus on several potential areas.

Track or Equipment Failure?

The primary focus will be on the track infrastructure, specifically the “point” or switching mechanism that guided the train onto the loop line. A mechanical failure, a signaling error, or a fracture in the track that was not detected during prior inspections are strong possibilities.

Human Error?

The role of the engine crew and station staff will also be examined. Data from the locomotive’s event recorder will be analyzed to check the train’s speed and braking patterns against the prescribed operational protocols for entering a loop line.

Full Impact on Rail Traffic and Diversions

The blockage of the loop line at Bhaupur created a ripple effect across one of India’s busiest rail corridors. North Central Railway has announced the following major diversions and regulations:

• 20802 Magadh Express: Diverted via Lucknow-Sultanpur-Varanasi.
• 12565 Bihar Sampark Kranti Express: Diverted via the Jhansi-Agra Cantt route.
• 12275 Prayagraj Humsafar Express: Running on a delayed schedule by over two hours.
• 15483 Mahananda Express: Regulated and held at Panki Dham station for 90 minutes.
• Several freight trains have been moved to holding yards to prioritize passenger services.

Context: Loop Lines and Indian Railways Safety

This **Sabarmati Express Derailment** brings renewed attention to the maintenance standards of non-mainline tracks like loop lines and sidings. While mainline tracks are subject to frequent and rigorous checks, ancillary lines can sometimes be overlooked.

This incident also reinforces the importance of safety systems. While the indigenous Kavach anti-collision system is being deployed to prevent high-speed collisions, ensuring the mechanical integrity of tracks and switches is equally vital for preventing low-speed derailments like this one. For more information, stakeholders can refer to the official safety circulars from the Ministry of Railways.