Chhattisgarh Train Accident: 10 killed in Bilaspur train accident, Railways announces compensation; what has happened so far?

A major railway accident occurred in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, when a Korba passenger train collided with a freight train. Several people were killed and many injured in the accident. The injured have been taken to hospital. The Railways has released helpline numbers and announced compensation for the families of the deceased. Relief and rescue operations are underway.

Bilaspur Train Accident: A major train accident occurred in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, on Tuesday evening. A Korba passenger train collided with a stationary freight train near the Lal Khand area on the Bilaspur-Katni railway line. Ten passengers were killed in the accident, and dozens were injured.

The injured were taken to the nearest hospital. As of this writing, 10 more ambulances have arrived in the vicinity of Bilaspur Torwa, including the Railway Central Hospital. Many of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. Following the incident, the route was completely closed and train operations were halted. However, efforts are now underway to gradually restore the route to normal.

Rescue operations began immediately after the incident.

Officials were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident. Rescue operations are still underway. Other railway officials are arriving at the scene. The impact was so severe that the front carriages of the passenger train were completely damaged. According to current information, five people have died in the accident. Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Rajneesh Singh said that rescue operations are underway. The injured are being admitted to nearby hospitals.

Bogies being cut with gas cutter

Railway and local administration teams are present at the scene. Rescue teams have so far rescued several people. The train's carriage is being cut open with a gas cutter. Some people reported that women and children were trapped inside the coach, and efforts are underway to rescue them. It is being said that the death toll in this incident may rise.

Railway helpline number released

Following the accident, the railways immediately issued helpline numbers to assist passengers. An official railway statement stated, "South East Central Railway is pleased to inform you that in light of an unforeseen situation, the following helpline numbers have been issued for the convenience of passengers and their families:

Emergency Contact:
Bilaspur – 7777857335, 7869953330
Champa – 8085956528
Raigarh – 9752485600
Pendra Road – 8294730162
Korba – 7869953330

Chhattisgarh CM expressed grief

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed grief over the accident. CM Sai wrote on the social media platform X that the news of the train accident near Bilaspur is extremely saddening. He has received information from the Bilaspur District Collector and issued instructions regarding all possible assistance and relief work. The state government stands with the affected families during this difficult time. Railway and administrative teams immediately engaged in relief and rescue operations. All necessary resources and medical assistance are being ensured for the treatment of the injured. The state government is monitoring the situation with utmost diligence and sensitivity.

NDRF teams engaged in relief work

Rescue teams from the local administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with railway officials, immediately arrived at the accident site. An infant is reportedly among those rescued safely. Medical teams and ambulances have been deployed due to the debris making it difficult to immediately evacuate people, and doctors are treating the seriously injured inside the train.

Announcement of compensation to the families of the deceased

Following the accident, the Railways announced compensation for the victims. A statement issued by the Railways stated that the Railway Minister has announced the following ex-gratia amounts for those affected. ₹10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, ₹5 lakh to those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh to those with minor injuries.

Investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing

The railways have introduced an automatic signaling system. Under this system, trains are operated at speeds within a certain limit. This system allows three trains to run on a single track. It is being reported that the driver of the passenger train was driving at a high speed. When a freight train suddenly appeared, the driver lost control of the train, leading to an accident. It should be noted that under this system, trains are supposed to run at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour during the day and 10 kilometers per hour at night.