Derailment of the Sabarmati Express triggers conspiracy fears, IB investigates

The Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur, sparking fears of sabotage. No casualties were reported while IB and Uttar Pradesh police are investigating the incident.

Sabarmati Express accident causes a stir in Kanpur

A major train accident involving Sabarmati Express (Train No. 19168) occurred yesterday evening on the Varanasi-Ahmedabad route. The derailment occurred between Kanpur and Bhimsen railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident has sparked widespread concern and speculation.

Railway minister's statement suggests possible sabotage

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav promptly reacted to the situation and shared important information in a tweet. In his statement, he pointed out the possibility of a foul play. The minister revealed that the locomotive of the Sabarmati Express collided with an object deliberately placed on the tracks, causing the train to derail.

Vaishnav said, “At 2:35 am, the Sabarmati Express collided with an object lying on the tracks, leading to the derailment near Kanpur. Several marks were found on the train and evidence has been preserved. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Uttar Pradesh Police are currently investigating the case. Fortunately, no passengers or staff were injured. Alternate arrangements have been made to ensure that the passengers' journey to Ahmedabad can continue.”

Eyewitness reports support sabotage theories

Passengers of the Sabarmati Express described their harrowing experience. One passenger said, “After the train left Kanpur station, we suddenly heard a loud noise as if something had hit the train. The coach started shaking violently and everyone was frightened. Fortunately, the train stopped quickly.”

These eyewitness accounts reinforce the suspicion that the derailment may not have been an accident, but a deliberate act. The loud noise and subsequent derailment suggest that the train was struck by something heavy, further supporting the sabotage theory.

Authorities investigate: Evidence is being examined

The derailment prompted immediate involvement of local authorities, including Deputy District Magistrate Rakesh Verma, who inspected the accident site. He confirmed that 22 bogies had derailed, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. Verma's assessment has further boosted the investigation and the evidence is now being scrutinised.

The IB, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Police, is conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident. The discovery of marks on the train and the evidence obtained suggest that the authorities are treating this as a serious case of potential sabotage.

Impact on rail traffic: Cancellations and route changes

Following the Sabarmati Express derailment, several trains have been either cancelled or diverted. This disruption has caused inconvenience to passengers while railway authorities work to manage the aftermath of the incident.

Cancelled trains:

• Train No. 04143: Khajuraho to Kanpur Central, originally scheduled for 17.08.24, is partially cancelled in Banda.
• Train No. 04144: The Kanpur Central to Khajuraho route, originally scheduled to start on 17.08.24, will now start from Banda.

Route changes:

• Train No. 05326: The Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Gorakhpur, originally scheduled to start on 16.08.24, will now follow the Jhansi-Gwalior-Bhind-Etawah-Kanpur Central route.

The way forward: ensuring passenger safety

While the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all passengers. Authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the derailment and prevent such incidents in the future. The Ministry of Railways' quick response and transparent communication demonstrate its commitment to passenger welfare and public safety.

The Sabarmati Express derailment reminds us of the potential risks of railway operations and the importance of vigilance and safety measures. With investigations ongoing, it is hoped that the exact cause of the derailment will soon be ascertained and appropriate action can be taken to address any safety lapses.

Vigilance and investigation are key to solving the Sabarmati Express incident

The derailment of the Sabarmati Express near Kanpur has raised serious concerns about the safety of railway operations in India. As there are indications of possible sabotage, the investigation led by the IB and Uttar Pradesh police will be crucial in bringing out the truth. While the authorities are working tirelessly to solve this incident, the safety of passengers across the railway network remains the priority.