Chhattisgarh Train Accident | Updates: At least eight passengers were killed and several others injured when a local MEMU passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday afternoon.
The collision occurred on the Bilaspur–Katni section, leading to derailment of multiple coaches and suspension of train movement on the route, officials confirmed.
According to railway sources, the preliminary investigation suggests that the MEMU local train overshot a signal and crashed into the rear of a goods train ahead.
The impact was severe, damaging overhead electric wires and disrupting the signalling system, causing widespread delays.
Rescue Operations Underway
Following the collision, railway rescue teams, RPF personnel, and local police rushed to the scene to carry out relief and evacuation efforts.
Emergency medical units were deployed, and injured passengers were moved to nearby hospitals. Senior railway and district officials reached the site to supervise rescue operations.
The impact was severe, damaging overhead electric wires and disrupting the signalling system, causing widespread delays. (Photo: Social media)
“Five people are seriously injured; three are stable, while two remain critical. Some passengers are still trapped inside the train, and efforts are on to rescue them using cutting equipment,” Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the incident “extremely tragic.”
“I have spoken to the Bilaspur District Collector and instructed immediate relief and assistance. The state government stands firmly with the affected families,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Railway Ministry has announced ex-gratia compensation for victims:
- ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased
- ₹5 lakh for those seriously injured
- ₹1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries
A Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause and recommend preventive measures.
Railways Releases Helpline Numbers
Officials have issued helpline numbers for passengers and their families seeking information or assistance:
Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
Champa: 8085956528
Raigarh: 9752485600
Pendra Road: 8294730162
Korba: 7869953330
Usalapur: 7777857338
Accident site: 9752485499, 8602007202
Passengers can contact these for updates and medical assistance.
The collision led to major disruptions on the Bilaspur–Katni route, with several trains delayed or diverted. Among those affected are:
68746 Raipur–Gevra Road MEMU
12101 LTT–Shalimar Express
12809 CSMT–Howrah Mail
12070 Gondia–Raigarh Jan Shatabdi Express
20826 Nagpur–Bilaspur Express
18029 LTT–Shalimar Express
12129 Pune–Howrah Express
Railway officials said operations are being closely monitored, and track restoration work is underway to resume services safely.
