Ernakulam-bound Duronto Express derails near Margao

MARGAO/KOCHI: Ten coaches of Ernakulam-bound Doronto Express (12223), which left Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8.20pm on Saturday, derailed at the Sarzora tunnel near Balli railway station, some 12km from Margao, around 6.20am on Sunday.
No casualties or injuries were reported but the derailment led to disruption of traffic on the Konkan railway route.Many services were either cancelled or diverted following the incident.
Konkan railway chief spokesperson Vaishali Patange said an inquiry would be conducted soon to find the cause of derailment. "We were informed that the driver heard a big sound and he halted the train immediately. Seven of the 10 derailed coaches could be removed by Sunday evening. Efforts are being made to restore the section at the earliest," she said.
Railway sources said the train had left Margao railway station at 6.15am. The train with 13 coaches had barely covered 100m of the 600m-long tunnel when the incident occurred. The coaches swerved off the track but did not topple, although it led to the grounding of the train. Around 250m stretch of the track near the tunnel was found to be damaged.
The passengers were being brought to their destination by a special train from Karwar station. An official at Ernakulam Jn said it was expected to reach the station by midnight. The railway also arranged full refund for those unwilling to continue the journey.
Jaison Devassy, father of Pete Jaison who was travelling on the train, said his son was shivering when he called. "We are still shocked but relieved that there are no casualties. We were told that some coaches were still in the tunnel and people didn't know what was happening."
A help desk was opened at Ernakulam Jn station following the incident. Area manager Rajesh Chandran said most calls they received were about the pairing train. "Those who had booked tickets for it will have to take general tickets and board the Marusagar Express. It is inconvenient for them but we have no other option. They will, however, get a full refund."