Muri Express Derailment: Toll climbs to three, rail traffic continues to be disrupted

The down line (from Delhi towards Allahabad) was restored for normal traffic at around 4 am. However, the up line (towards Delhi) is likely to be opened around Tuesday midnight.

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“Three coaches are yet to be removed from the track. The cranes require blocks (stoppage of traffic from both sides) to gradually and carefully clear the wreckage. Therefore, it is taking time. However, it is expected that the UP-line will be functional by midnight.

Allahabad-New Delhi Duronto Express has been re-scheduled. But Prayagraj Express (Allahabad-New Delhi), along with three other trains, will remain cancelled for the second day,” said Kumar.

While a detailed inquiry into the accident has been initiated by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), P K Vajpayee, there were reports that the driver of a goods train had informed about experiencing ‘some jerk’ on the stretch where the accident occurred, nearly half-an-hour before the Muri Express got derailed there. However, officials claimed that the same had been checked by a junior engineer after which the train was given clearance to move ahead.

Following the accident, Chairman (Railway Board), A K Mittal, and Member (Engineering) V K Gupta, visited the accident site around 11.45 pm. “CRB asked officials to intensify awareness among the railway staff about safety,” said Kumar. “There are several factors that can cause an accident…The CRS is likely to present an interim report within one month,” he added.