Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Railways to hold inquiry into West Bengal train mishap on June 19

The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety for Northeast Frontier Railway, Janak Kumar Garg, will conduct a statutory inquiry into the Kanchanjunga Express accident that claimed several lives and injured multiple people. The inquiry is scheduled for June 19 at 10 am in the ADRM/NJP's chamber and may extend if necessary, reported ANI, citing an official press release.

"Members of the public having knowledge relating to the incident and any other matter connected therewith may appear and tender evidence at the inquiry on the dates mentioned or write to the chief commissioner of railway safety," the communication stated.

The accident, which occurred on June 17, led to the cancellation and diversion of several trains. Train services resumed in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, where the incident happened. Surendra Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Katihar Northeast Frontier Railway, reported, "Restoration work has been going on since night. The trial of an engine was carried out upline along with two goods trains and one Shatabdi train towards NJP (New Jalpaiguri Junction) yesterday. Since it is an accident site, the trial was done with some caution. Within half an hour, the line beside it will also be restored."


The Kanchenjunga Express arrived at its destination, Sealdah in Kolkata, early today after restoration efforts were completed. The accident was allegedly caused by a goods train ignoring a signal and colliding with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express near Jalpaiguri station in North Bengal at 8:55 am on Monday.

A passenger aboard the train, who wished to remain anonymous, described the fear and anxiety experienced during the incident. "I was in S7 when this accident took place. We are very afraid after this accident. My parents are also worried," she said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the central government for its perceived negligence towards the railways in the wake of the tragedy. The Kanchanjunga Express operates between Silchar in Assam and Sealdah in Kolkata.

(With inputs from ANI)