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Chamoli Tunnel Accident: Indian Railways Clarifies No Involvement in Collision

Northern Railway has clarified that trains involved in a collision at an under-construction hydroelectric tunnel in Chamoli were not Indian Railways trains but part of a local project transport arrangement. The accident occurred during a shift change when two loco trains collided, injuring 60 out of 109 people on board. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to ensure proper medical care for all injured workers. The incident highlights safety concerns in infrastructure project sites rather than the national railway network.

Key Points: Indian Railways Not Involved in Chamoli Tunnel Train Collision

  • Indian Railways clarifies non-involvement
  • 60 injured in tunnel collision
  • Local project transport arrangement
  • Uttarakhand CM monitors medical response
2 min read

Trains in Chamoli tunnel project accident do not belong to Indian Railways, clarifies Northern Railway Officer

Northern Railway clarifies trains in Chamoli tunnel accident were part of a local project transport arrangement, not Indian Railways. 60 injured in collision.

"This event has nothing to do with Indian Railways. The trains mentioned in the news are not Indian Railway trains. - Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Northern Railway"

Dehradun, December 31

Reacting to reports linking Indian Railway trains to the Chamoli train collision, Northern Railway officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay clarified that the incident has nothing to do with Indian Railways.

The Chief Public Relations Officer further noted that these trains were part of a local transportation arrangement made by the tunnel project team.

"It is clarified that during the construction of a hydro power project, tunnel construction, an event occurred due to the local trolley transportation arrangement in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. This event has nothing to do with Indian Railways. The trains mentioned in the news are not Indian Railway trains. This is a local arrangement done by the Tunnel Project team for transportation," said Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway.

Earlier, two loco trains collided at the under-construction site of the THDC Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Pipalkoti at Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Tuesday night.

According to the District Magistrate of Chamoli, Gaurav Kumar, the trains collided at around 9:30 pm, with 109 people on board. Out of them, around 60 passengers got injured in the accident. The District Magistrate further mentioned that 42 people have been admitted to the district hospital.

"During the time of shift-change, two loco trains operating in the tunnel collided at around 9:30 pm last night. 109 people were onboard the trains, out of whom 60 were injured, 42 people are admitted to the district hospital and 17 people are admitted to Pipalkoti's Vivekananda Hospital," said Kumar.

Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took a detailed update on the incident and instructed officials to ensure that the injured receive proper medical care and are referred to higher medical centres if required.

"I am in constant contact with the District Magistrate of Chamoli regarding the accident that occurred at the TBM site of the under-construction THDC Vishnugad - Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district. Instructions have been given to provide better medical facilities to all the injured and to refer them to higher medical centers as needed. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of all the injured workers," said CM Dhami.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is very sad. 60 people injured is a serious number. Whether it's Railways or a private project, safety protocols must be followed, especially in tunnel construction. Uttarakhand has seen too many infrastructure-related accidents. Time for stricter audits.
A
Aman W
Good that the CM is involved and ensuring medical care. But the real question is about compensation for these workers, most of whom are probably daily wage laborers. Who will take responsibility? The project contractor must be held accountable.
S
Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels by train, I'm relieved it wasn't an Indian Railways train. But the incident itself is tragic. A collision inside a tunnel during shift change points to major operational failure. Hope there's a proper inquiry.
V
Vikram M
While the clarification is necessary, the focus should remain on the workers. These hydro projects in the hills are crucial for our energy needs, but worker safety cannot be compromised. "Local trolley transportation" sounds like a makeshift arrangement. Was it safe?
K
Kavya N
Praying for the speedy recovery of all the injured. 🙏 It's good to see the authorities acting quickly. However, I respectfully think the Railways' clarification, while correct, came across as slightly defensive. The priority is the human cost, not whose 'train' it was.

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