Local train derails while leaving Shalimar station, services halt; major accident averted

A local train derailed at the entrance of Shalimar railway station on Wednesday morning, triggering panic among commuters at the station. The incident occurred when an empty local train was entering platform number three, narrowly avoiding what could have been a major accident.

According to railway officials, the train was travelling from Santragachi to Shalimar without any passengers onboard. One of its coaches derailed at the platform entrance and moved forward, causing a portion of platform number three to collapse. The sudden incident led to chaos on the station premises, with passengers rushing to safer areas. Following the derailment, the railways immediately suspended operations on platform number three as a precautionary measure. Trains are currently being operated from alternative platforms while restoration work is underway. Railway staff and technical teams were rushed to the spot to manage the situation and begin rescue and repair operations.

Confirming the incident, South Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Omprakash Charan said there were no casualties as the train was empty. He added that work to remove the derailed coach has already begun and efforts are being made to reopen the affected platform soon. The cause of the derailment will be investigated.