Police hint at sabotage after they find a part of track missing

Eight coaches of the Lucknow-bound Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed near Rampur station in Uttar Pradesh at 8 a.m. on Saturday. It occurred between Rampur and the Mundapanda railway station, near a bridge over the Koshi river. The accident led to huge traffic disruption as the route connects Delhi to Lucknow via Moradabad.

Over a dozen trains were either diverted or cancelled. Railway officials said traffic would be normalised only by 11 p.m. on Saturday. Thirteen people, including eight women, were injured.

Google Maps image locates the Rampur and Mundha Pande railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. Eight coaches of the Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed between the two stations on Saturday.

They were admitted in the Rampur district hospital. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted that he was personally monitoring the situation. He also tweeted that “an enquiry has been ordered into the incident and strict action will be taken against defaulters, if any.” According to the district officials of Rampur, the injured were in shock but their condition was stable.

The U.P. government announced ₹50,000 for each of the injured.

Railways have provided helpline numbers to facilitate communication between relatives and passengers of the Rajya Rani Express that derailed near Rampur on Saturday. Photo: @UPPolice

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 for each of the injured passengers and also ordered an enquiry to ascertain causes behind the accident.

“Personally monitoring situation. Directed senior officers to rush to the spot. Ensure speedy relief and rescue operations (sic),” he tweeted.

Mr. Prabhu said strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Moradabad Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) reached the spot to oversee the rescue and relief operations. A medical team has also reached, Mr. Sharma said.

The railways have operationalised help line numbers at different stations to facilitate communication between passengers and their relatives.

Helpline numbers are: Meerut (0121-2401215), New Delhi (011-23341074, 23342954), Old Delhi (011-23962389, 23967332), Nizamuddin (011-24359748), Moradabad (1072), Bareilly (0581- 2558161, 2558162), Lucknow (09794830975, 05222-37677).

(With inputs from PTI)