A special train carrying stranded passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express, which collided with a stationary goods train, departed from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station early Saturday morning. The train resumed its journey at around 4:45 am, after an overnight halt following the accident at Kavaraippettai Railway Station.

Officials ensured the stranded passengers were provided with food and water during the delay. A help desk has been set up at Chennai Central Railway Station to assist affected passengers.

The collision, which took place on Friday night around 8:30 pm between the Chennai-Gudur section near Kavaraippettai, resulted in the derailment of 12 coaches, injuring 19 passengers. Train movement along the section was severely disrupted, prompting the cancellation of two trains: Train No.12077 Dr MGR Chennai Central-Vijayawada Jan Shatabdi Express and Train No.12078 Vijayawada-Dr MGR Chennai Central Jan Shatabdi Express. Over half a dozen other trains were diverted.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock over the incident and confirmed that the injured passengers had been taken to the hospital. He added that rescue operations were being continuously monitored. Helpline numbers were issued by the railways to aid those affected by the accident.

Taking to X, CM Stalin said, “I was shocked to know that there was a train accident in Kavaripettai, Tiruvallur district. As soon as the information was available, I ordered the Hon’ble Minister @Avadi_Nasar and other government officials including the District Collector to go to the accident site.” He further said that Minister for Minorities SM Nasar and other officials were directed to reach the accident site.

He added, “The government is working fast in rescue and relief work. The injured are immediately taken to the hospital. A separate team is functioning to arrange food and travel facilities for the other passengers to return home.” CM Stalin also noted that the fire department is engaged in removing the derailed train coaches. “I am continuing to monitor the rescue operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai.