Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): A tragic train accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, when a Korba passenger train collided with a freight train near Lal Khand, Gattaura railway station. The impact was severe, leading to multiple casualties and injuries.
According to Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal, seven passengers have died, while two others remain trapped inside a mangled coach. Around 15–20 passengers, including women and children, have sustained injuries. Rescue and relief operations are underway at full speed.
A video from the crash site reveals a shocking sight – one train coach perched on top of another, its front completely mangled and deformed by the powerful impact.
Accident Site and Rescue Operations
The collision, which occurred around 4 p.m., caused one of the passenger train’s coaches to mount the freight train. The Railway and local administration teams immediately reached the site, and rescue workers are using gas cutters to access the damaged coaches.
Several passengers have been safely evacuated. The rescue operation is being conducted jointly by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), GRP, and the local police, under the supervision of senior officials.
It is reported that women and children remain trapped inside the wreckage, and efforts are on to safely remove them.
Collector Confirms Death Toll, Says Line to Be Restored Soon
Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal (IAS:2012) confirmed that the bodies of seven passengers have been recovered. “Two people are still reported trapped inside the coach, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Around 15–17 injured passengers have been shifted to hospitals,” he stated.
He added that the Korba–Bilaspur line will be restored soon, as technical teams and a special train have arrived at the scene to remove the damaged coaches and repair the tracks.
Earlier in the evening, the Collector had reported four deaths, later updating the toll as rescue operations progressed.
IG Confirms Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Inspector General (IG) Sanjeev Shukla said that rescue teams are working continuously to remove those still trapped inside the coaches. He confirmed that several people have been injured in the collision between the MEMU passenger train and the freight train, and relief efforts are being coordinated with the district administration and railway officials.
बिलासपुर के पास ट्रेन दुर्घटना का समाचार अत्यंत दु:खद है।
— Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) November 4, 2025
बिलासपुर जिला कलेक्टर से जानकारी लेकर उन्हें हरसंभव सहायता और राहत कार्य संबंधित निर्देश दिए गए हैं। राज्य सरकार इस कठिन समय में प्रभावित परिवारों के साथ है।
रेलवे और प्रशासन की टीमें तुरंत राहत एवं बचाव कार्य में जुट… pic.twitter.com/cZLJSnFvlU
Railways Announces Compensation and Helpline Numbers
The South East Central Railway (SECR) has announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased passenger and ₹5 lakh for the injured.
Additionally, SECR released emergency helpline numbers for passenger assistance –
- Champa Junction: 808595652
- Raigarh: 975248560
- Pendra Road: 8294730162
- Accident Site Helplines: 9752485499, 8602007202
Railway officials have urged the public to rely only on official updates and avoid spreading rumours.
Train Operations Affected; Delays and Cancellations Reported
Due to the accident, train movement on the Korba–Bilaspur route has been halted temporarily. Major trains like the Azad Hind Express, Hirakud Express, Bilaspur–Tata Express, and Amarkantak Express are running four to six hours late.
The Azad Hind Express, scheduled to arrive at Bilaspur at 4:20 p.m., is now expected to reach at 11:20 p.m., causing major inconvenience to passengers.
Bilaspur Railway officials said that no trains will be cancelled further, though delays are expected. However, local services including Bilaspur–Raipur (68719), Korba–Bilaspur (68731), and Bilaspur–Korba (68732) have been cancelled for the day.
Special Train Deployed to Repair Tracks
A special engineering train has arrived at the site to repair tracks and remove derailed coaches. The technical team is working on restoring overhead wires and damaged signal systems. The Korba–Bilaspur route is expected to be cleared and operational by late night or early Wednesday.
Passengers Describe Moments of Panic
Passenger Devkumar Dhuri, traveling from Kotmisunar to Bilaspur, described the terrifying moment –
“The train suddenly jolted, and when I looked out, I saw the engine had climbed onto the freight train. We quickly jumped off and helped others trapped inside. Many were bleeding and crying for help.”
Eyewitnesses estimate that 20–25 passengers were injured, many sustaining minor injuries while attempting to escape.
Official Inquiry Ordered
Bilaspur Railway CPRO Dr. Suskar Vipul Vilasrao stated that a Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS)-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the collision. “The exact cause will be clear only after the investigation,” he added.
