Two Wagons of Iron Ore Freight Train Derail on Kirandul–Kottavalasa Rail Line in Odisha

According to preliminary information, the freight train was moving on an additional loop line when the derailment occurred. Two wagons slipped off the tracks, but the main rail line remained unaffected, allowing passenger and other freight services to continue without disruption. Railway authorities said the incident did not impact scheduled train operations on the busy section.

Officials confirmed that the derailment took place during nighttime hours. Soon after the incident was reported, railway rescue and maintenance teams were rushed to the site. Restoration work was taken up immediately, and efforts continued for several hours to clear the derailed wagons and repair the affected section of track.

“Since the derailment occurred on a loop line, the main section remained safe. Train movement on the principal route was not suspended, and normal operations were maintained,” a railway official said. He added that swift action by technical teams helped prevent any escalation of the situation.

By late night, the rail route was fully restored and declared fit for operations. Railway authorities confirmed that both passenger and freight train movement resumed normally after completion of the repair work.

The Kirandul–Kottavalasa rail line is a critical freight corridor, primarily used for transporting iron ore from mining areas in southern Chhattisgarh to ports in Andhra Pradesh. Any disruption on this route can have wider implications for industrial supply chains. However, officials said the timely restoration ensured that there was no significant impact on logistics or passenger travel.

Railway officials have ordered a detailed inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the derailment. Technical teams are examining the track condition, wagon wheels, and signaling aspects to determine whether mechanical failure, track defects, or operational factors contributed to the incident.

While the incident raised concerns of a potential major rail accident, officials stressed that the situation was brought under control quickly due to the location of the derailment and prompt response. Further findings from the inquiry are expected in the coming days.