Major Train Accident in Assam: Kolkata–Sairang Express Derails Near Digaru; NFR GM Reviews Safety Across Section

Hills Live News, Haflong, November 11: A major train accident occurred on the Guwahati–Lumding railway section early Wednesday morning, when seven coaches and the locomotive of the Kolkata–Sairang Express derailed near Digaru Railway Station.
The incident triggered panic among passengers as the locomotive and seven coaches jumped the tracks, causing structural damage to several carriages. While multiple passengers sustained injuries and were provided immediate medical assistance, no casualties have been reported so far. Emergency response and rescue teams, along with local administrative authorities and railway officials, reached the site promptly to initiate evacuation efforts.
The derailment has disrupted train movement along the critical Guwahati–Lumding corridor. Railway authorities have prioritized clearing the derailed coaches, repairing damaged tracks, and restoring normal train operations. An official inquiry into the cause of the derailment is currently underway.

The accident comes during an extensive two-day safety and infrastructure review across the region led by Vivek Khare, General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), who assumed charge on November 1.
On Tuesday, November 10, Khare—accompanied by the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding and senior officials—conducted a detailed inspection from Guwahati to New Haflong: Inspected passenger amenities, including waiting halls, retiring rooms, platform cleanliness, ticketing facilities, and crowd management strategies at entry/exit points.
Track & Structural Assessments: Executed a window-trailing inspection evaluating track conditions, bridges, and tunnels along the sensitive Lumding–Badarpur hill section, examining track inspection trolleys and ongoing maintenance protocol.Reviewed ongoing station redevelopment works at New Haflong Railway Station, focusing on passenger accessibility, smooth movement, and modern amenities.
Following the initial Guwahati–New Haflong review, Khare is scheduled to continue window-trailing inspections from New Haflong to Badarpur today, November 11, emphasizing operational safety, structural integrity, and track maintenance across the hill section.