Guwahati, November 13, 2026: A major railway accident occurred in Assam after six units, including the locomotive and five passenger coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express, derailed near Digaru railway station on November 11. The train was travelling from Kolkata to Sairang in Mizoram when the incident took place at approximately 6:54 AM.
The derailment triggered an immediate emergency response, with railway officials, rescue teams and local authorities reaching the accident site. Although initial railway statements indicated that passengers were safe, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later confirmed that four passengers had suffered minor injuries and were receiving medical treatment.
How Did the Train Derail?
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the incident occurred while the train was entering Digaru railway station to give precedence to another train.
The locomotive reportedly failed to stop at the designated location and overshot a red signal before hitting a dead end. The impact caused the engine and five passenger coaches to derail.
Railway officials immediately launched rescue and relief operations. Passengers were provided with food, drinking water and other basic necessities before arrangements were made to transport them to their respective destinations through an alternative train.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Brake Failure
A preliminary investigation released on November 13 has raised serious questions about the train's main braking system.
A six-member inquiry team reportedly found that the BP angle cock, a component responsible for controlling compressed air flow through the train's braking system, was in an isolated or closed position in the locomotive.
According to the preliminary findings, this condition may have prevented the brakes from functioning properly when the locomotive pilot attempted to stop the train.
The investigation also revealed that the train had previously stopped at Panbari station at approximately 6:16 AM after one coach experienced overheating wheels due to jammed brake pads.
The train remained at the station for around 30 minutes while the crew attended to the problem. It resumed its journey at approximately 6:46 AM.
Investigators are examining whether the brake pipe angle cock was closed during the repair work at Panbari and was not reopened before the train departed.
However, the preliminary report has not established who was responsible for the condition of the braking system. The possibility of procedural lapses is also being examined.
Four Passengers Injured, Around 800 Passengers Evacuated
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that four passengers sustained minor injuries and were receiving medical attention.
The state government coordinated with the Railway Ministry to ensure that stranded passengers received necessary assistance.
A special relief train carrying approximately 800 passengers departed for Sairang later that morning, according to reports.
Railway personnel also arranged medical assistance and essential supplies at the accident site.
Railway Services Affected After the Accident
The derailment temporarily affected train movements in the region.
Several trains were regulated as railway authorities worked to manage the situation and restore normal operations.
The Guwahati-Jorhat Town Jan Shatabdi Express and Coimbatore-Silchar Express were among the trains affected by the disruption.
Railway teams initiated restoration work and monitored the affected railway section.
Questions Raised Over Railway Safety
The accident has once again raised concerns about railway safety procedures, particularly the inspection and maintenance of braking systems.
The preliminary findings have highlighted the importance of ensuring that all safety components are properly restored after repair work.
Investigators are now expected to examine the sequence of events, maintenance procedures and operational checks conducted before the train resumed its journey from Panbari.
