For the second consecutive day, a major rail corridor connecting eastern and northern India remains paralyzed following a significant derailment incident in Bihar. The disruption, caused by eight wagons of a cement-laden goods train jumping the tracks, has severely impacted the Howrah–Patna–Delhi route, a critical artery for passenger and freight movement.
Incident Details and Ongoing Restoration Efforts
The accident occurred on Saturday night, December 28, 2025, between Lahaban and Simulthala stations in the Asansol Division of Eastern Railway. The site falls within Bihar’s Jamui district on the Jasidih-Jhajha rail line. The derailment blocked both the Up and Down lines, bringing all traffic to a standstill.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Shibram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Eastern Railway, confirmed that restoration work is a top priority. "We are trying our best to normalize train operations. All the experts are on the site. A probe is going on," Majhi stated, indicating that the cause of the derailment is under investigation while teams work round-the-clock to clear the debris and repair the tracks.
Widespread Travel Chaos: Trains Diverted and Cancelled
The ripple effect of the derailment has been substantial, forcing railway authorities to regulate, divert, and cancel numerous trains. The disruption has affected some of the busiest and most prestigious trains on the network.
Key trains facing diversions include:
- Train number 22347 Howrah-Patna Vande Bharat Express
- Train number 12303 Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express
- Train number 12273 Howrah-New Delhi Duronto Express
- Train number 13005 Howrah-Amritsar Mail
- Train number 12023 Howrah-Patna Jan Shatabdi Express
Several services have been cancelled outright, primarily local and short-distance trains, to ease congestion and facilitate restoration work. The cancelled trains include the Jasidih–Baidyanathdham–Jasidih MEMU services (63157/63158), the Howrah-Mokama Express (13029), and its return service (13030), among others. Passengers are advised to check the latest status with Indian Railways or their station before commencing their journey.
Broader Impact and Passenger Advisory
The prolonged disruption highlights the vulnerability of key infrastructure points and the cascading effect a single incident can have on a densely packed railway schedule. The Howrah–Patna–Delhi corridor is a lifeline for millions, and its blockage causes logistical nightmares for both the railways and the traveling public.
Eastern Railway has urged passengers booked on trains via this route to monitor official announcements for real-time updates. While restoration efforts are in full swing, the complete normalization of services may take some more time as safety inspections and repairs are meticulously completed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining India's vast and aging rail network under constant operational pressure.
