A devastating train collision in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening has left at least 11 passengers dead and dozens injured. The accident occurred when the Korba Passenger Train rammed into a stationary goods train near Lal Khadan station on the busy Bilaspur-Katni rail line.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as the impact derailed multiple coaches, trapping passengers inside the mangled compartments. Rescue teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and local administration reached the site within minutes and began pulling out victims amid twisted metal and debris.
Officials said the collision caused severe damage to overhead electric lines and signalling systems, bringing train operations to a standstill. Several trains on the Bilaspur–Korba route have been cancelled, diverted, or rescheduled, including the Azad Hind Express and Bilaspur-Tata Express.
A special medical relief train and heavy cranes were dispatched from Bilaspur and Korba for rescue operations, which continued late into the night. Senior railway officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), camped at the site to oversee the operation.
A high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest a possible signal failure or coordination lapse between control cabins, though technical experts will confirm the exact sequence of events.
The South East Central Railway (SECR) has set up passenger helplines at Champa, Raigarh, and near the accident site to assist affected families. Officials had said restoration of the damaged tracks and signal systems is being carried out on a war footing.
Union Minister of State for Railways Tokhan Sahu had visited the Bilaspur Railway Hospital to meet the injured and assess rescue operations. “This is a deeply painful incident. The Railway Minister is personally monitoring the situation, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” he told reporters.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had expressed deep sorrow and directed district authorities to provide all possible assistance. “Rescue and relief work must continue until the last passenger is safely evacuated,” he said in a statement. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao described the loss of lives as “heartbreaking” and assured that the state government would provide full support for treatment and compensation.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant had expressed grief on social media, writing: “The news from Bilaspur is distressing. My condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Senior Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo demanded the Railway Minister’s resignation, citing moral responsibility. “In the past, leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned after a single accident. Today, repeated tragedies reflect administrative negligence,” he said.
In an official communication, the SECR assured that rescue operations were nearing completion and normal rail services would resume soon. The administration urged passengers to confirm rescheduled timings through helplines before travelling.