Patna: A five-member high-level team constituted by the Railway Board has begun an on-site investigation into the goods train derailment on the Jasidih–Jhajha section of the Patna–Howrah main line, as widespread disruptions continued to affect passengers and freight movement.
The committee, comprising officers of joint secretary rank, reached the accident site on Sunday and is expected to submit its report within 72 hours. The derailment occurred late on Saturday night when a cement-laden goods train came off the tracks on the Barua River bridge near Telwa Bazar Halt, between Lahaban and Simultala stations.
Train operations on the affected section could not be restored on Monday, the second day after the accident. According to railway officials, debris from the derailed wagons continued to block the line, forcing the diversion of 87 trains. A further 30 trains were cancelled and the routes of nine others were curtailed.
The disruption had a cascading impact on premium services. Trains such as the Patna–Howrah Vande Bharat and the Howrah–Patna Jan Shatabdi were diverted, leading to long delays. The Patna–Howrah Vande Bharat reached its destination nearly four hours late, while the return Jan Shatabdi departed more than six hours behind schedule, arriving in Patna late at night. Several other long-distance trains, including services from Rajendra Nagar Terminus, also ran with delays ranging from two to seven hours.
Commuters and traders were among the worst affected. The diversion of the Jan Shatabdi, a key daily link for passengers travelling between Patna, Barh, Mokama and destinations such as Jamui and Jasidih, caused widespread inconvenience. Traders who rely on the service to transport goods from Kolkata reported delays and additional costs. While passengers bound for Lakhisarai faced relatively fewer problems, those travelling to Jamui and Jasidih were forced to make alternative arrangements.
With temperatures remaining low across Bihar, thousands of passengers were left stranded at intermediate stations as trains terminated short of their destinations or were rerouted. Many spent the night at stations or paid extra to reach home by road.
🚆 Key Trains Affected Due to Jasidih–Jhajha Derailment
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🚄 Patna–Howrah Vande Bharat (22347)
Reached Howrah 3 hours 49 minutes late after diversion -
🚄 Howrah–Patna Vande Bharat (22348)
Arrived at Patna Junction 1 hour 57 minutes late -
🚅 Howrah–Patna Jan Shatabdi (12023)
Departed 6 hours late, reached Patna late night -
🚆 Rajendra Nagar Terminus–Howrah Superfast (12351)
Reached Howrah 7 hours behind schedule -
🚆 Over 25 other express and superfast trains
Ran with delays ranging from 2 to 5 hours
❌ Train Operations Summary
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🚫 87 trains diverted on Monday
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🚫 30 trains cancelled
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15 Up trains (10 MEMU, 5 Mail/Express)
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15 Down trains (9 MEMU, 6 Mail/Express)
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🔁 9 trains curtailed or short-terminated
🔀 Major Diversion Routes Used
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Kiul–Bhagalpur
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Kiul–Gaya
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Jasidih–Banka–Bhagalpur
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Asansol–Dhanbad–Gaya–Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
Railway officials said restoration work was continuing but warned that reopening the up line could take until Tuesday. Bipla Bauri, public relations officer of the Asansol division of Eastern Railway, said services were being diverted via alternative routes including Kiul–Bhagalpur, Kiul–Gaya, Jasidih–Banka–Bhagalpur and Asansol–Dhanbad–Gaya–Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction.
Of the 30 cancelled trains, a majority were MEMU services, though several mail and express trains were also affected. Railway authorities said bulletins were being issued regularly to inform passengers of changes in routes and timings, and travellers were advised to check the status of their trains before setting out.
Eastern Railway had earlier indicated that partial operations on the down line could resume by Monday night, but officials said full normalisation would depend on the pace of clearance and repairs at the accident site.
