Row erupts in Darbhanga over dual citizenship

Party hopping begins, two from JD(U) join Congress in Bihar

PATNA : Party-hopping has picked up in Bihar as the assembly election draws near, charging the states political atmosphere. Leaders have begun switching sides in the hope of contesting the election representing parties of their choice. The parties embrace them with open arms to encash their caste identities and winnability factors. On Tuesday, two senior leaders of the ruling Janata Dal (United) --Ali Anwar, former Rajya Sabha member and Bhagirath Manjhi, son of Bihars Mountain Man Dasarath Manjhi joined the Congress. In addition, Manoj Prajapati, state president of Akhil Bharatiya Prajapati Kumbhkar Sangh, along with other leaders, joined the grand old party. Ali Anwar is an influential Pasmanda community leader. Pasmandas form the lions share among the backward Muslim votes. He is a two-term Rajya Sabha member and All-India Pasmanda Muslim Samaj president. The Congress is trying to strengthen its support base among backward Muslims and Dalits through Ali Anwar and Dasarath Manjhi, political analyst Pramod Kumar said. On Saturday, state RJD vice president Shobha Kushwaha joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD (U) along with a large number of supporters. The party hopes her entry will help consolidate the Luv-Kush (Kurmi-Koeri) vote base. Shobhas induction comes when the RJD is trying hard to make inroads into the Kushwaha vote bank. In the last Lok Sabha polls, it had fielded three Kushwaha candidates. It appointed Abhay Kushwaha, who won the election from Aurangabad, as its parliamentary party leader in the Lok Sabha. Shobha was also a member of the Bihar State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights. A prominent leader of the Dhanuk caste (listed as EBC in Bihar), Ajay Rai from Bhagalpur, also joined JD (U) on the occasion. The JD (U) claimed he supported former poll strategist Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party. Recently, former JD (U) vice president Mangani Lal Mandal was inducted into the RJD by party leader Tejashwi Yadav. With the help of Mandal, Tejashwi is trying to woo the EBC vote bank. The EBC support is considered crucial for getting and retaining power in Bihar. This has been Nitishs core vote bank for the last 20 years. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, he had inducted Mukesh Sahni into the alliance to make inroads into the Mallah vote bank. Mandals influence is believed to be in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur and Muzaffarpur of north Bihar. He has been an MLA and MP from Jhanjharpur. This time, RJD celebrated former chief minister Karpoori Thakurs birth anniversary in Madhubani districts Phulparas on Friday, considered as the Karmabhhomi of Thakur, who was also from the EBC category. In the 2020 assembly election, the grand alliance could not perform well in Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Muzaffarpur. While the RJD won 11, Congress and CPI (M) won a seat each in Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.

Bihar college students expelled for making reels in examination hall

PATNA: A girl examinee filming a reel in the examination hall and that too during the examination, sounds interesting. The unusual incident took place at a college in Bihar's Samastipur district. The vice chancellor of Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, initiated disciplinary action against the girl examinee Kalpana Kumari and expelled her from the examination. She has also been debarred from taking the examination for two consecutive terms. Not only that, another examinee Kundan Kumar has been punished for helping Kalpana in making the reels inside the examination hall. Both the examinees have been expelled from examination on the directive of the vice-chancellor, a senior teacher of Samastipur College said. The matter came to the notice of the vice chancellor when the reel made during the examination at Samastipur College went viral on social media. The vice chancellor reprimanded the college administration for lapses on its part and warned of action if such things happened again. During the investigation, it came to light that a female student, along with a boy student who had come to take a graduate part one examination at Samastipur College examination centre made the reel and made the video viral on social media. In the viral video, the girl can be seen dancing to a Bhojpuri song on the college campus with other examinees watching it. Samastipur college mein Samastipur video banane ke chakkar mein hamesha ke liye Pariksha se nishkarsh Kar Diya aur ghar per banaaiye rails yah video dekhte rahiye #Samastipur college Samastipur #viral trending reels pic.twitter.com/eGXZ6yF6na Harikant kumar Gupta (@HarikantG98077) January 26, 2025 The principal of the college wrote a letter to Nagendra Prasad Singh and Ramgati Sah, the parents of the girl and the boy, saying that their children violated the sanctity and confidentiality of the examination. Hence they have been expelled from the examination and debarred for taking the examination for two consecutive terms. This is not the first of its kind incident in the state. The social media madness to gain followers and likes has caused embarrassment to the college and school authorities.

Attacked kabaddi team is safe, moved to Delhi from Punjab: TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin

CHENNAI: A few hours after several video clippings went viral on social media about an alleged attack on kabaddi players from Tamil Nadu during an inter-university competition in the Bathinda district of Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday said that the kabaddi players are safe and they have already been moved to New Delhi. Talking to reporters here, the Deputy CM said as many as 36 kabaddi players from Mother Teresa University, Periyar University and Alagappa University were participating in the tournament. This morning, we received information that during the contest between the team from Mother Teresa University and Darbhanga University (Bihar), the players from Tamil Nadu were attacked. The SDAT officials contacted the district collector concerned immediately and ensured arrangements for the safety of the players, the deputy CM said. Responding to a question, Udhayanidhi said additional safety arrangements would be made in future when students from Tamil Nadu go to other states for sporting events. The kabaddi players are being taken to New Delhi and they will be staying in the Tamil Nadu House there. All are safe. So, please dont spread rumours. Pandiarajan, a coach who was taken by the Punjab police for interrogation, has been released, he added. AIADMK organising secretary D Jayakumar, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, and AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran were among those who expressed concern for the safety of the TN players.

SVU seizes Rs 1.87 crore assets from Bihar's Bettiah DEO in corruption probe

Patna: The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), the anti-corruption wing of the Bihar Police, on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids at various locations linked to education department official Rajnikant Praveen, currently serving as the District Education Officer (DEO) of Bettiah in West Champaran district. The searches were carried out in Darbhanga, Madhubani, West Champaran, and Samastipur districts as part of a disproportionate assets case. The SVU began its operation at the DEOs office before moving to his residential premises. During the raid, bundles of currency notes were discovered hidden under beds in different rooms of his house. A currency-counting machine was requisitioned from a local bank to ascertain the exact amount of cash seized. The exact amount of cash will be determined after counting the bundles of seized currency notes, said a member of the raiding team. In addition to cash, the SVU stumbled upon documents revealing movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 1.87 crore. The DEOs wife reportedly runs a private school in Bettiah. Sources revealed that various teacher associations had lodged complaints against Praveen, alleging that he had amassed wealth through illegal means. However, these allegations were allegedly ignored for years due to Praveens proximity to influential figures. Praveen has been serving as DEO in Bettiah for over three years, having joined the state education department in 2005. The raids, which began in the early hours of Thursday after obtaining the necessary permissions, were still ongoing at the time of reporting. The operation has sent shockwaves through the education department, with at least 10 other officials reportedly under SVU surveillance over similar allegations. At least 10 officers of the education department are under the surveillance of the SVU, a senior officer said. Earlier, DEOs in East Champaran and Kishanganj districts also faced action following allegations of corruption. Sources indicated widespread complaints regarding irregularities in the procurement of furniture for government schools across the state. The Additional Chief Secretary of the education department, S. Sidharth, has ordered an inquiry into the involvement of employees accused of engaging in corrupt practices.

Mumbai-Darbhanga flights face disruptions due to adverse weather

Passengers express frustration as flights face an average delay of two hours with some being cancelled; the disruptions affected the Mumbai-Darbhanga and Darbhanga-Mumbai sectors

Bihar: Nitish Kumar launches projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Darbhanga

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched development projects worth nearly Rs 1,500 crore in Darbhanga district during his 'Pragati Yatra'. He inaugurated 89 projects costing Rs 935.28 crore and laid the foundation for 97 works involving Rs 561.75 crore. Kumar was accompanied by his deputy and cabinet colleagues. He also reviewed the implementation of government schemes.

Patna Diary | Right time to take right turn: Lalu

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has often courted controversy with his statements; his latest poster is no exception. While inviting Nitish to rejoin the Mahagathabandhan, Lalu targeted him in a poster. He suggested that now is the right time to take the right turn, implying that Tejashwis leadership could lead to benefits such as the Mai, Behan Maan Yojana, free electricity for up to 200 units, and job opportunities. He warned that on the Nitish Path, there would only be unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and rising crime. Lalu had invited Nitish to return to the alliance camp, but Nitish declined. Tejashwi accuses retired babu of tax collection According to Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar is currently grappling with the DK Tax syndrome. The LoP in the state assembly sharpened his criticism of CM Nitish Kumar, alleging that a retired bureaucrat is effectively running the government and collecting funds, dubbed DK Tax, from officials in exchange for favourable postings. Tejashwi claimed that many competent officers have been sidelined due to their failure to pay this tax. Since 2018, the powers of the chief secretary and the DGP have also been diminished. Yadav argues that a group of retired bureaucrats is making key decisions. Darbhanga airport to go international Among positive developments, the state cabinet led by CM Nitish Kumar, has approved a proposal to acquire an additional 89.75 acres of land for the expansion and development of Darbhanga Airport into an international facility. Additionally, the cabinet has authorized the acquisition of 139 acres of land valued at `207 crore for the expansion of Raxaul Airport, which is located near the Indo-Nepal border in East Champaran district. Alongside Patna, Gaya is another international airport in the state. Furthermore, ongoing efforts are being made to develop and upgrade other airports, including those in Purnea, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com

Man arrested for selling Ganja laced chocolates

Hyderabad: The Drug Task Force (DTF) of Medchal district raided a house in Thumkunta village and arrested a migrant, seizing 85 packs of ganja-laced chocolates worth Rs 34,000. The accused, C. Upender Mandal (35), a native of Darbhanga, Bihar, confessed to having relocated to the city and opened a pan broker shop at his house a few months ago, according to excise officials. We, along with our head constables Sattar, Venkateshwar Rao, and constables Sanjay and Munaf, had been keeping Upender Mandal under surveillance for the past four months. When we learned he had arrived from Bihar with a baggage on Tuesday, our special team raided his house and found him selling ganja chocolates along with pan masala, said DTF SI Pawan Kumar Reddy. During the raid, 85 packets of ganja-laced chocolates were found at Upender's rented house. The accused admitted to procuring the contraband from Bihar and selling it to customers at a high price. He further disclosed that he purchased each packet, containing 40 chocolates, in Bihar for Rs 25 and sold each chocolate for Rs 10. The accused, along with the seized property, was handed over to the Medchal Excise Police for further investigation and was later produced in court for judicial remand.

Cops Arrived To Nab Accused Attacked By Locals In Bihars Darbhanga, Several Injured

As soon as the police arrested accused Jitendra, his agitated family members and locals attacked the police team.

Dilip Cherian | Decoding Delhis latest babu jigsaw

The recent secretary-level reshuffle in New Delhi left some scratching their heads yet again. Like an unsolvable jigsaw puzzle, the logic behind these moves remains a closely guarded secret. But, for now, lets try to decode at least a few of these postings. First up is the department of personnel and training (DoPT), which handles the government's personnel affairs. For the third time in a year, the DoPT has a new secretary, with Rachna Shah, a 1991 Kerala cadre officer stepping in after a prolonged vacancy. Notably, the baton remains with a woman officer, continuing a trend. Ms Shah replaces Radha S. Chauhan, while Manisha Saxena recently took over as establishment officer, and Kavita Singh handles crucial ACC matters in the Cabinet secretariat. Coincidence? Hardly, say sources. The system seems designed to prevent leaks and surprises. If all goes smoothly, Ms Shah may stay till her retirement in November 2027, promising some much-needed stability at the DoPT. Over at the department of revenue, the reshuffle sparked buzz with 1992 batch IAS officer Arunish Chawlas appointment. Taking over from Sanjay Malhotra, now RBI governor, Mr Chawla faces the Herculean task of managing key portfolios like CBDT, CBIC, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His stint in pharmaceuticals seems to have been a brief stopover, and hes now moved to the high-stakes North Block while still holding charge of the ministry of culture. Speaking of culture, its been on an upward trajectory, gaining significant prominence. How Mr Chawla balances these dual responsibilities will be worth watching. As for the ministry of culture, the suspense over who will fill Mr Chawlas shoes adds an extra layer of intrigue. With the Prime Ministers Office playing its cards close to the chest, its a game of wait-and-watch. In the end, these reshuffles are a masterclass in controlled chaos. For us, mere mortals, deciphering the method in this madness remains an engaging, if baffling, pastime. Why did promising Darbhanga cop offer her resignation? Bureaucracy often thrives on opacity, but every so often, a story comes along that is intriguing enough to make us wonder whats happening behind the scenes. The case of Kamya Misra, a promising young IPS officer from the 2019 batch, is one such mystery. Ms Misra, who recently resigned from her post as the rural superintendent of police (SP) in Darbhanga, citing personal reasons, found her resignation unceremoniously rejected by the Bihar government. Instead, shes been granted 180 days of leave starting November 2024 and is currently cooling her heels at the Bihar police headquarters, awaiting a fresh posting. Reshuffles are routine in police services, but her case feels anything but ordinary. Her husband, Avdhesh Saroj Dixit, also from the 2019 batch, is currently the SP of Gopalganj, having previously served as the City SP in Muzaffarpur. The duo, who married in 2021, is highly regarded in bureaucratic circles. So why would an officer like Ms Misra, respected and reportedly effective, tender her resignation? And why would the government so pointedly refuse to let her go? The timing adds an extra layer of intrigue. Could this be linked to Bihars political climate, with state elections potentially on the horizon? Ms Misras tenure in Darbhanga and her decision to step away could have raised eyebrows, but the governments move to sideline her while keeping her within the system only raises more questions. Is there a larger BJP-Nitish Kumar political calculus at play here? Or does this point to internal administrative dynamics that we can only guess at? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear as the political temperature in the state rises, stories like this remind us of the fine balance between governance and politics in Indias bureaucracy. For now, though, Kamya Misras 180-day hiatus leaves us wondering: Whats next in this unfolding drama? Cut the clutter: Cabinet secy pushes for fast governance Continuing from where he left off last month, Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan has called out ministries for ignoring a two-year-old directive to limit decision-making to four layers. In a no-nonsense letter, he pointed out that this non-compliance is causing unnecessary delays, undermining the governments push for reforms. He is clearly a man on a mission. The directive aims to streamline processes by creating a leaner, flatter structure. Mr Somanathan wants special, additional, and joint secretaries to operate as independent bureau heads, cutting out extra layers that slow things down. His message was clear: De-layering isnt just a buzzword; its about speeding up decisions and improving efficiency. He also reminded secretaries to personally ensure these changes are implemented, stressing that responsive, transparent governance depends on it. Adding to this, the Cabinet secretary chimed in with a reminder to keep communication short and sweet. He asked secretaries to send concise monthly updates just one or two pages highlighting key issues and delays. The message? Less bureaucracy, more action.

SCR Reschedules Trains to Darbhanga, Raxaul

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway has rescheduled two services, one each to Raxaul and Darbhanga, to facilitate the construction of a foot overbridge at the Rajgangpur yard under the South Eastern Railway. Train 07051, scheduled to leave Hyderabad at 8.35 pm on December 28 to Raxaul, will now depart at 12.35 am on December 29. Train 17007, from Secunderabad to Darbhanga, scheduled to depart at 10.40 pm on December 28, has been rescheduled to 11.40 pm the same day.

Maruti Suzuki signs MoA with Bihar Govt Transport Dept

5 driving test tracks to be automated at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran 2 driving test tracks automated by Maruti Suzuki at Aurangabad and Patna are already operational Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) for Two-wheeler (TW) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license testing MSIL to increase the number of Automated Driving Test Tracks to 44 across the country, from the current 27 New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Bihar to automate driving license test tracks at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran. The MoA was signed in the presence of Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar and Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Bihar. The MoA was signed by Shri Navin Kumar (IAS), State Transport Commissioner, Government of Bihar and Shri Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Maruti Suzuki. With zero human intervention, the Automated Driving Test Tracks are aimed to make license testing more comprehensive, efficient, and transparent. The rigorous and standardized evaluation process is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Test results are also automatically generated. Applauding Maruti Suzuki on its road safety efforts, Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar said, I applaud Maruti Suzuki, Indias leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, for their exemplary commitment to road safety through nationwide programs. One of their innovative initiatives, the Automated Driving Test Tracks, ensures that only skilled drivers get a driving license, making our roads safer for everyone. We successfully automated the driving test tracks in Aurangabad and Patna with them and have seen drivers coming better prepared for the license testing. We are glad to partner with Maruti Suzuki once again to develop five more Automated Driving Test Tracks in Bihar. This collaboration will significantly contribute toward reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving practices in our state of Bihar. Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, Maruti Suzukis association with the Bihar government goes back to 2018 when we set up the states first Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) to offer driver training in Aurangabad. Since then, we have inaugurated ADTTs at Aurangabad in 2020 and Patna in 2021. We thank the Government of Bihar for further entrusting us with this road safety project. Maruti Suzuki has been steadfast in its commitment to the 5 pillars of road safety - engineering, education, evaluation, enforcement, and emergency care. Automated driving license testing is a vital component of the evaluation process. Equipped with high-definition cameras and an integrated IT system, ADTTs guarantee a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent testing process ensuring that only skilled drivers are awarded licenses. Mr. Bharti added, According to data shared by the Union Road Transport Ministry, 15.3 lakh lives were lost in road accidents in the 10 years between 2014-2023 in India. Road death rate in the country is around 250 per 10,000 km as opposed to 119 in China, 57 in the USA, and 11 in Australia. An important aspect of road safety is drivers skill and knowledge of traffic rules. Automated Driving Test Tracks will ensure that license seekers are better prepared and only skilled drivers are awarded a driving license. This will bring a positive transformation that will go a long way to reduce road accidents caused by human error. Maruti Suzuki Automated Driving Test Tracks across India Over the past years, Maruti Suzuki has systematically automated 27 driving test tracks (across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Haryana). The Company is in the process of setting up 12 additional ADTTs in Uttar Pradesh. With the addition of these 5 test tracks in Bihar, the Company will complete automation of 44 driving test tracks across the country.

IIT-Delhi to undertake a topographical survey for establishing AIIMS-Darbhanga, Government tells Rajya Sabha

Union Health Minister announces IIT-Delhis involvement in establishing AIIMS in Darbhanga, Bihar, with detailed technical investigations and structural design

JD(U) demands Bharat Ratna for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

PATNA: JD(U), a major ally of the ruling NDA, demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to felicitate Bihar chief minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar with the Bharat Ratna award for his sincere efforts to take the state out of a morass and set things on the right track. JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha raised the demand to give Bharat Ratna to Nitish Kumar, who set a 'failed' state like Bihar on the path of development and progress, at the workers' meet of the party in Bihar's Purnea district. He (Nitish) should be felicitated with the Bharat Ratna award or even a bigger award if any. He has sincerely been working on the development of the state, JD(U) working president said, while recalling the dark days of the RJD rule in the state. JD(U) leader also made a veiled attack on RJD saying that it was known to all how law and order situation had collapsed in Bihar during RJD regime from 1990-2005. Doctors, engineers, businessmen, professionals were kidnapped for ransom during the period, he asserted. Jha said that younger generation would not know about RJD rule when affluent people were kidnapped. Members of the business community left Purnea out of fear. In such a situation, Nitish took reins of the state and improved the law and order situation, he added. Jha also pointed out that the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) were laid in Darbhanga by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, which reflected the commitment of the Centre and Nitish Kumar government towards all round development of the state. He remarked that RJD had no concern for the development of Mithila region. JD(U)'s leader's remarks came in the wake of RJD leader and former chief minister Rabri Devi to declare Mithila a separate state.

Bihar: Islamists attack annual Ram Vivah procession with stones and sticks near a mosque in Darbhanga

A Ram Vivah procession in Darbhanga, Bihar, was attacked by Islamists near a mosque with stones and sticks, leaving several injured. Police are investigating the violence.

AAI chairman instructs agencies to complete Patna airport new terminal building by January 25

PATNA: Chairman of Airport Authority of India (AAI) Vipin Kumar on Friday reviewed, ongoing works of the new terminal building of Jayaprakash Narayan International (JPNI) Airport in Patna and issued instructions to the agencies and engineers at the site to expedite and complete all remaining works to make the airport ready by January next year. He also asked the airport director to ensure seamless coordination with state authorities and regulatory bodies, including DGCA, and BCAS for all mandatory approval required to meet the project's deadlines, prior to the commissioning of the new terminal. The master plan for the expansion of Patna airport is estimated to cost Rs.1216.90 crore which includes the development of new terminal building, multi-level car parking facility and parking Bays. With a built-up area of 65,155 sqm, the new world-class terminal building will cater to 3,000 passengers during peak hours. The AAI chairman said that the expansion of new terminal building will boost the airport's capacity from 3 million to 10 million passengers annually. The construction of new terminal building will include six new additional parking stands, increasing the present five to 11 parking stands.The new terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger facilities, including 54 check-in counters, five-passenger boarding bridges, five conveyor belts and eight in-line XBIS machines which allows for quick transit of passengers inside terminals. The design of this Griha IV-star-rated new terminal building is inspired from the forms of Nalanda ruins and the interiors will be adorned with Madhubani paintings. In September, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had reviewed the ongoing construction of the new terminal. He also urged the officials to expedite the completion of the expansion project at the earliest. At the review meeting, CM Nitish had emphasised the importance of enhanced facilities and better connectivity. In addition, he had offered the state government's support for any additional needs during the construction of the new terminal building. In addition, the Bihar government has also planned the expansion of Gaya and Darbhanga. The state government is also working on establishing new airports in Purnea, Raxaul, Rajgir and Bhagalpur.

Nirmala Sitharaman urges women to benefit from government schemes at credit outreach event in Bihar

PATNA: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday urged women to take advantage of the Union Government's programs. Speaking at a credit outreach event in Bihar's Madhubani district, she emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on creating 'Lakhpati Didis' in every village, with banks lending support to make the initiative a success. Financial help and training are being provided to women through every self-help group for this purpose. Whatever work needs to be done by the banks is being done, she stated, encouraging women to come forward and participate in the schemes offered by the banks. Earlier, Sitharaman distributed sanction letters from banks to beneficiaries under various central government schemes. Loans worth Rs 1,121 crore were disbursed to over 50,000 beneficiaries during the credit outreach program. The schemes included PM MUDRA, PMEGP, Kisan Credit Card, Stand Up India, PM Vishwakarma, MSEs, SHGs, and Agriculture Loans, among others. The Union Minister also distributed copies of the Constitution of India in Maithili and Sanskrit recently released on Samvidhan Diwas to various individuals during the event. Sitharaman visited stalls and interacted with stall owners who had benefited from various central and state government schemes during the program. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha also attended the event. On Friday, Sitharaman chaired a credit outreach program in Darbhanga, where loans worth Rs 1,388 crore were disbursed to 49,137 beneficiaries by various banks, according to an official press release from the Union Finance Ministry.

Bihar Youth Played Ludo To Steal Phone Passwords, Rob Passengers In Sleeper Coaches

The youth identified as Sagir, hails from Bihar Darbhanga but was currently living in Ghaziabad. The GRP caught him with eight phones, two Aadhaar cards, intoxicating pills, a bag, and Rs 67,150 cash

Meet the brothers who are on a mission to popularise dhrupad

Prashant and Nishant Mallick belong to the renowned Darbhanga-based family of dhrupad singers

SC gives Bihar govt final chance to reply on bridge collapses plea

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday granted the last opportunity to the Bihar government to file its response to a PIL that raised concerns about the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar after several of them collapsed in recent months.A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also sought the response of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on the PIL filed by lawyer Brajesh Singh. It considered the fact that the notices were issued to various authorities on the PIL on July 29 this year. The Bihar government is granted six weeks to file the response. This is the last opportunity, the bench said, adding that the petitioner will have to file his rejoinder four weeks after the authorities file their replies. The bench has now listed the plea for hearing on February 15, 2025. Earlier, the petitioner moved the court seeking its nod to bring on record various news reports and additional documents to highlight the dilapidated condition of bridges in Bihar. The court, on July 29 this year, sought responses from the Bihar government and others, including the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI), on the PIL. On November 4, it agreed to hear the PIL that raised concerns about the safety and longevity of bridges in Bihar after several of them collapsed in recent months. Singh on November 14 filed an interim application in his pending PILs seeking to bring on record as many as 15 news reports relating to poor conditions of bridges in the state. I have filed an IA (interim application) for placing additional documents before the concerned bench as in the state of Bihar the bridges and culverts are still in dilapidated conditions and they are collapsing on a routine basis, Singh said. He referred to a recent incident in Bihar's Nalanda district where an 18-year-old boy died after falling into the river from a dilapidated bridge. The lawyer said the state government and the NHAI have not filed their responses despite the top court issuing the notices in July. He claimed that on November 3 an under-construction bridge collapsed in Darbhanga district and the company concerned was seen removing the debris in the night secretly. The PIL sought directions for a structural audit and setting up of an expert panel to identify bridges that can be either strengthened or demolished based on its findings. Besides the state and the NHAI, the top court had also issued notices to the road construction department's additional chief secretary, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited chairperson and rural works department's additional chief secretary. Ten incidents of bridge collapse have been reported in Bihar's Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran and Kishanganj districts during May, June and July this year. Many claimed that heavy rainfall might have led to the incidents. The PIL raised concerns about the safety and longevity of the bridges in the state that usually witnesses heavy rains and floods during the Monsoon. Besides setting up a high-level expert panel, it also sought real-time monitoring of the bridges as per the parameters laid by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The petitioner highlighted that Bihar is the most flood-prone state in India. The total flood-affected area in the state is 68,800 square km which is 73.06 per cent of its total geographical area, he mentioned. Hence, such routine accrual of the incident of falling bridges in Bihar is more disastrous as the lives of people at large are at stake. Therefore, the urgent intervention of this court is required to save the lives of people, as the under-construction bridges before its (their) accomplishment collapsed routinely, the plea read. In view of the bridge collapse incidents, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the road construction and rural works departments to conduct a survey of all old bridges in the state and identify those in need of immediate repair.

PM says government committed to holistic approach to health

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said his government is adopting a holistic approach towards health in the country. He said the projects initiated in Bihars Darbhanga would bring about a huge change in the health sector. Lauding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his leadership in transforming the state, the PM said Kumars efforts pulled the state out of what he described as the era of jungle raj. Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurating several key infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,000 crore, Modi said the country was progressing steadily towards becoming Vikshit Bharat. The current generation is fortunate to witness this transformation, he said. Reaffirming his governments commitment to development, he said the schemes introduced across Bihar would not only accelerate growth but also create job opportunities. Detailing his governments comprehensive approach to healthcare, Modi said the first priority of his government was disease prevention, followed by accurate diagnosis and treatment. We have started more than 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the country with the aim of providing medical care for early detection of diseases, adding that more than 4 crore people have benefited from treatments under this initiative. He said the government has already fulfilled its commitment to include senior citizens above 70 years of age in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with free treatment already being provided to this age group, irrespective of family income. Turning to the recurring flood issues in North Bihar, particularly in the Kosi and Mithila regions, Modi touched upon the governments ongoing efforts to address challenges posed by annual flooding. He assured that a comprehensive plan had been announced in this years Budget to tackle the issue. He stressed that the government was fully dedicated to providing relief and building resilience against floods. Modi praised Bihars rich heritage, describing the state as one of Indias largest centers of cultural legacy. He said the governments development approach was guided by the dual principles of Vikas (development) and Virasat (heritage). Modi lauded Nitish Kumar, commending the states model of good governance under the double-engine government.

Video: Nitish Kumar Bends To Touch PM's Feet At Event, He Does This

Bonhomie was on display at an event in Darbhanga on Wednesday when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar bent down to touch the feet of Narendra Modi, only to be stopped by the Prime Minister, who shook his hands instead.

Tejashwi taunts Nitish for touching Modis feet in Bihar

Patna, Nov 13 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday drew a taunt from Tejashwi Yadav, his former deputy, for touching the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was in the state for a function. The RJD leader responded to queries from journalists about the behaviour of the JD(U) boss, who is in his 70s and had, after finishing his speech at the function in Darbhanga, bent to touch the feet of Modi, who is less than a year his senior. In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, the Prime Minister can be seen

Bihar CM Nitish grabs eyeballs as he touches PM Modis feet

Eyebrows raised at a public event in Darbhanga, Bihar when the state chief minister Nitish Kumar bent down to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modis feet. Nitish, 73, bowed down with folded hands and tried to touch 74-year-old Modis feet. However, the prime minister immediately stopped the Janata Dal (United) chief. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone For AIIMS Darbhanga; Hails Nitish Kumar's 'Good Governance'

PM Modi, while addressing the event, referred to Nitish Kumar as lokpriya mukhyamantri.

Video: Nitish Kumar Bows To Touch PM Modi's Feet At Bihar Event. Here's How He Reacted

During an event in Darbhanga, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar attempted to touch PM Modi's feet, symbolising their strengthening alliance. A video of the same has gone viral.

PM Modi's Global Agenda: From Nigeria's Strategic Talks to G20 Summit in Brazil This Week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an international tour to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 16 to 21, focusing on enhancing India's global ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. Starting on November 16, PM Modi will visit Nigeria for two days at the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years. During the visit, he will engage in discussions to review and expand the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria. PM Modi will also address the Indian community residing in Nigeria. India and Nigeria have been close partners since 2007, with strong economic, energy, and defense ties. Over 200 Indian companies have invested more than $27 billion in key sectors within Nigeria. The countries also share a robust development cooperation relationship. After Nigeria, PM Modi will travel to Rio de Janeiro on November 18 to participate in the G20 Summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva. India, part of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa, has been actively contributing to discussions on global matters. PM Modi is expected to share India's perspectives on key international issues and further the outcomes of previous summits, including the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration and the Voice of the Global South Summits. He is also scheduled to hold meetings with several world leaders during the summit. Following the G20 Summit, PM Modi will head to Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21. This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana since 1968. During his time in Guyana, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and other senior officials. He is also scheduled to address the Guyanese Parliament and the Indian diaspora community. Last year, President Ali visited India as the Chief Guest for the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore, where he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award. In Georgetown, PM Modi will also participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit, engaging with leaders of CARICOM member nations to strengthen India's long-standing ties with the Caribbean region. PM Modi to Launch AIIMS Darbhanga and Major Infrastructure Projects in Bihar Today PM Modi to Address Three Rallies in Maharashtra as Assembly Elections Near PM Modi Urges Unity in Maharashtra, Accuses Congress of Divisive Politics

PM Modi lays foundation stone for AIIMS in Darbhanga, highlights government's holistic healthcare approach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone for a new AIIMS in Darbhanga, Bihar, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region and beyond. He emphasized the government's comprehensive approach to healthcare, including disease prevention, affordable treatment, and infrastructure development.

Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of 'Jungle Raaj', says PM Modi in Darbhanga

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his governance, crediting him with ending the 'Jungle Raaj' and ushering in an era of development. During his visit to Darbhanga, Modi inaugurated an AIIMS and other projects worth Rs 12,100 crore, emphasizing the government's commitment to Bihar's progress, particularly in healthcare and flood mitigation.

'Until Nitish took charge in Bihar, there was no serious concern for...': PM Modi attacks previous RJD-led govt in state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Bihar's Darbhanga.

PM Modi lays foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga, says NDA Govt committed to welfare of people

Darbhanga AIIMS will make a big difference for people of the area in health sector, even from neighbouring country Nepal, says PM Modi in Bihar

Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of 'Jungle Raaj', says PM Modi

DARBHANGA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his role in transforming the state, pulling it out of what he called the 'Jungle Raaj'. Modi's remarks came during a function in Darbhanga, where he laid the foundation for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated several key infrastructure projects worth around Rs 12,100 crore. Nitish ji has set up a model of good governance (Shushashan), pulling the state out of the era of Jungle Raaj. No praise is too high for this achievement, PM Modi said, speaking at the event where the JD(U) chief was also present. The Prime Minister emphasised Bihar's development under the NDA government, highlighting improvements in various sectors, especially in health infrastructure. Bihar is witnessing a lot of development. The NDA government is committed to the welfare of the people. The previous government in Bihar never bothered about health infrastructure. They made false promises, but the situation has improved since Nitish Kumar ji came to power, Modi said. On the issue of Bihar floods, the Prime Minister said the NDA government has launched a Rs 11,000 crore flood mitigation project to address the state's recurring flood problems.

Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raaj, says PM

Darbhanga, Nov 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his role in transforming the state, pulling it out of what he called the Jungle Raaj. Modis remarks came during a function in Darbhanga, where he laid the foundation for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated several key infrastructure projects worth around Rs 12,100 crore. Nitish ji has set up a model of good governance (Shushashan), pulling the state out [] The post Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raaj, says PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Modi Inaugurates Rs 12,100 cr development projects in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 12,100 crore in Darbhanga, Bihar, on Wednesday. Among the key projects was the construction of an AIIMS hospital in Darbhanga, marking the second such facility in the state after Patna. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the government's efforts to improve healthcare access across India. Earlier, people traveled to AIIMS Delhi for treatment. Now, new AIIMS hospitals are being established nationwide, with 24 operational AIIMS facilities today, he said. In addition to healthcare, PM Modi focused on enhancing infrastructure, inaugurating several National Highway projects worth Rs 5,070 crore to improve connectivity in Bihar. These included the four-lane Galgalia-Araria section of NH-327E, which will connect Araria to West Bengal, offering an alternative route on the East-West Corridor (NH-27). The PM also laid the foundation for eight major National Highway projects, such as the two-lane road from Ramnagar to Rosera and the Bihar-West Bengal border to Manihari section of NH-131A. Other notable projects include the Hajipur-Bachhwara route, Raniganj Bypass on NH-327E, and multiple bypasses on NH-333A. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi attended the event.

PM Modi launches projects worth Rs 12,100 cr in Darbhanga including AIIMS facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 12,100 crore in Darbhanga, Bihar, including the state's second AIIMS. He also launched highway projects worth Rs 5,070 crore, enhancing connectivity. These projects included the Galgalia-Araria section of NH-327E, providing an alternate route to West Bengal.

PM Modi to visit Bihar on Wednesday, inaugurate projects worth 12,100 crore

The PM will inaugurate, dedicate development projects worth 12,100 crore, AIIMS Darbhanga, NH projects, railway projects, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras

Does PM Modi think caste census is divisive, asks Congress

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posed four questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Bihar. Ramesh questioned the delay in AIIMS Darbhanga, the neglect of the Maithili language, and unfulfilled promises of airports. He also asked Modi's stance on a caste census and reservation ceiling.

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga on Nov 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Darbhanga, Bihar on November 13 to lay the foundation stone for AIIMS Darbhanga. The Rs 1,700 crore super-specialty hospital, the second AIIMS in the state, will greatly benefit north Bihar and neighboring regions, according to state Health Minister Mangal Pandey.

Hoax bomb threat halts Bihar Sampark Kranti express at UPs Gonda station

GONDA (UP), Nov 2: A bomb scare on the 12565 Bihar Sampark Kranti Express train, travelling from Darbhanga to New Delhi, triggered panic among passengers and security personnel in Uttar Pradeshs Gonda on Friday evening. Following a tip-off from the Delhi Control Room, security forces, including the GRP and the RPF, were immediately alerted. The [] The post Hoax bomb threat halts Bihar Sampark Kranti express at UPs Gonda station appeared first on Northlines .

Bomb Scare On Bihar Sampark Kranti Express Train In UPs Gonda

GONDA (UP), Nov 2: A bomb scare on the 12565 Bihar Sampark Kranti Express train, travelling from Darbhanga to New Delhi, triggered panic among passengers and security personnel in Uttar Pradeshs Gonda on Friday evening. Following a tip-off from the Delhi Control Room, security forces, including the GRP and the RPF, were immediately alerted. The train was halted at Gonda Junction at 7:30 pm and thoroughly searched by a bomb disposal squad, Gonda Government Railway Police (GRP) Inspector Narendra Pal [] The post Bomb Scare On Bihar Sampark Kranti Express Train In UPs Gonda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Cabinet approves two railway projects worth Rs 6,798 cr in Bihar and Andhra

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved two major railway infrastructure projects. The projects, valued at an estimated Rs 6,798 crore, are aimed at improving connectivity in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. These projects are expected to be completed within the next five years. In another key decision, the Cabinet also gave its nod for the establishment of a 1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund for the space sector under the aegis of IN-SPACe. The fund aims to promote and oversee private sector participation in space activities. Briefing the media after the meetings of the Union Cabinet and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which were chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the two railway projects are set to enhance connectivity, facilitate ease of travel, reduce logistics costs, lower oil imports, and curb carbon emissions. The first project involves doubling the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections, spanning 256 km in Bihar, at an estimated cost of 4,553 crore. This initiative is expected to bolster connectivity to Nepal, Northeast India, and the border areas. The second project involves constructing a new rail line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh, covering 57 km, at a cost of 2,245 crore. The line traverses through the NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district in Telangana, providing direct connectivity to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, and enhancing mobility for people and industrial goods. These two projects, covering eight districts across three statesAndhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Biharwill extend the Indian Railways network by about 313 km, the government said in an official statement. It further said, These routes are critical for transporting commodities such as agricultural products, fertilisers, coal, iron ore, steel, and cement. The capacity augmentation works will result in an additional freight traffic of 31 MTPA (million tonnes per annum). In his concluding remarks during the media briefing the Minister said, so far the Modi 3.0 government has approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 9.17 lakh crore. Regarding the 1,000 crore venture capital fund for the space sector, the Minister stated that the deployment period is planned to span five years from the commencement of fund operations, with an average deployment of 150-250 crore per year, depending on investment opportunities and fund requirements. He said, the fund aims to invest in startups with a proposed investment range of 10-60 crore, depending on the stage of the company, growth trajectory, and its potential to enhance national space capabilities. The fund is expected to support around 40 startups. The government further elaborated that the fund is strategically designed to advance Indias space sector, aligning with national priorities and fostering innovation and economic growth. The initiative aims to boost global competitiveness, support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, drive economic growth, and create jobs, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. The fund will also help position India as a leading space economy.

Cabinet Approves Rs.6,798-Cr Rail Projects to Enhance Connectivity and Cut CO2 Emissions

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given the green light to two significant railway projects worth Rs.6,798 crore. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Ministry of Railways, aim to improve connectivity, lower logistics costs, and reduce carbon emissions over the next five years. The first project focuses on doubling the railway lines between Narkatiaganj, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga, covering a total distance of 256 kilometers. This upgrade will facilitate better access to Nepal, northeastern India, and other border areas, benefiting both passenger and freight services. The second project involves the construction of a new railway line connecting Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati, stretching 57 kilometers through Andhra Pradeshs NTR, Vijayawada, Guntur districts, and Telanganas Khammam district. Together, these projects will impact eight districts across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar, adding 313 kilometers to the Indian Railways network. The new railway line will directly serve 168 villages and benefit approximately 1.2 million residents. Meanwhile, the multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity for 388 villages and improve access for around 900,000 people in the Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur regions. These capacity enhancements are vital for the efficient transport of various goods, including agricultural products, coal, steel, and cement, with an anticipated increase in freight traffic by 31 million tonnes each year. Environmentally, the projects are projected to cut CO2 emissions by 168 crore kilograms, which is comparable to planting seven crore trees. These efforts are part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasizes seamless, multi-modal connectivity throughout India. The proposed new line will provide direct access to Amaravati, the planned capital of Andhra Pradesh, improving mobility for industries and local residents. This development is expected to boost efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, according to the CCEA. Furthermore, the multi-tracking initiative will alleviate operational challenges and reduce congestion, offering essential infrastructure development for some of the busiest railway sections in the country. Andhra's Amaravati to Get New Railway Line with Rs 2,245 Crore Investment Centre Proposes the Use of AI and Innovative Technology to Check Traffic Violations

Cabinet approves Rs 6,798 crore projects to boost connectivity in 5 yrs

Two approved projects are doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms and construction of new line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati covering 57 kms

Center Approves Two Railway Projects For Rs 6,798 Crore

The approved projects include doubling of Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur Section covering 256 kms.

BREAKING! Tragic Road Accident on Yamuna Expressway, 3 Killed

VARANASI: In a devastating incident on the Yamuna Expressway, three individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained serious injuries when their car collided with another vehicle. The accident occurred as the occupants were making their way back to Delhi from Varanasi. Emergency services promptly rushed the injured passengers to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to gather more details about the incident. The Yamuna Expressway is a significant highway in India, linking the bustling cities of Delhi and Agra. It is well-known for its smooth and fast travel, facilitating quick journeys between these two important locations. This is breaking news....Moreinformation is awaited. 12 Killed in Dholpur Collision: PM Modi Pledges Compensation for Victims Bagmati Express Collision: Passengers Safely Reach Darbhanga

Patna Diary | Many yatras of Tejashwi incomplete

RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is known for his action-packed politics, even addressing more than a dozen election campaigns in a single day. But his track record is not as impressive as his uncle and his political rival Nitish Kumar. Whereas Nitish is known for completing a number of yatras during his 19-year long stint as chief minister, although sometimes even facing hostile crowds, the young RJD leader has not been able to complete his yatra. Everybody was expecting he would break his Yatra jinx when he embarked on his Karyakarta Samvad Yatra. He completed his first leg but the second leg hit a bump again. Hindu Swabhiman Yatra leaves Giriraj isolated Hindu Swabhiman Yatra launched by union minister and BJP Begusarai MP Giriraj Singh from Bhagalpur has created a political turmoil in Bihar. Giriraj became a soft target of not only opposition parties but also his own party. BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal was quick to respond that BJP had nothing to do with Hindu Swabhiman Yatra as Singh launched it on his own. BJP distanced itself from Yatra. JD(U), a major ally of BJP-led NDA, had raised serious objections over it and said there is peace and harmony in the state where people from all religious faiths were living without any fear. FM to inaugurate credit outreach programme Preparations are in full swing for union governments credit outreach programme to be held in Darbhanga, Bihar on November 18 and 19. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the programme aimed at on-the-spot disbursement of loans. She will disburse loans of `1,000 crore at the programme. It will be second such programme in the state. At Chapra in Saran district, Sitharaman had disbursed loans of `1,350 crore under different central government schemes. M Nagraju, secretary in Finance Ministry, wrote a letter to the Bihar government stressing the need for better coordination among departments that will provide loans to the needy. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com

'Nut-bolts removed from the track': Inquiry reveals sabotage behind Mysuru-Darbhanga Express derailment

An inquiry into the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express accident pointed to sabotage, confirming the removal of nuts and bolts from the track. This caused the train to veer onto the loop line and collide with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai on Oct 11, resulting in derailment and injuries. Officials ruled out technical fault.

Train may have derailed at intersection point: Railway officials

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: A joint inspection note on the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express-freight train collision near Chennai last week, prepared by seven senior railway officials, suggests that the train may have derailed at the intersection point. Meanwhile, a separate investigation conducted by the Tamil Nadu railway police said the accident may have been caused because of removal of nuts from the rails. As per the investigation conducted by three railway police teams, three nuts were removed in Kavaripettai and six nuts near Ponneri. There was a problem in shifting the rails from the loop track to the main track as the nuts were removed, causing the train to crash on the loop track, the investigation report said. A railway spokesperson said the inspection note will be one of the inputs for the Commissioner of Railway Safety to prepare the final investigation report. The experts who have prepared the joint note didnt say that they found any mechanical part opened or loosened at the accident site. Instead, they found nuts, bolts, rails, tongue rail, and other similar items in broken condition, said a safety expert after analysing the report. The safety experts assertion gets support from the data loggers yard simulation video in which it appeared that the train was moving on the main line as well as the loop line. As the train can move in only one direction, the data loggers yard simulation video hints that it might have derailed at the interlocking point, K P Arya, former chief signal and telecom engineer/information technology in Northern Railway, said.

Tamil Nadu train crash: Joint probe shows train might have derailed at intersection, does not hint sabotage

The joint inspection note indicates the train derailed at the intersection point near Chennai. Initial reports suspect mechanical errors or sabotage as potential causes. A final decision awaits the Commissioner of Railway Safety and National Investigation Agency's investigation. The accident involving Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary freight train caused injuries.

Day after Mumbai bomb scare, multiple flights get bomb threats through social media

NEW DELHI: Five flights, including one bound for the United States, received bomb-threat messages through a social media handle on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to undertake specific counter-terrorist drills at various airports, official sources said. The threats via microblogging platform X came a day after three international flights originating from Mumbai received bomb threats, causing trouble to hundreds of passengers and airline crew. The messages posted on Monday were declared a hoax. Two more flights received similar threats on Tuesday but a confirmation was awaited. The sources said an X handle issued threats on Tuesday to five flights -- an Air India Express flight from Jaipur to Bengaluru via Ayodhya (IX765), a SpiceJet flight from Darbhanga to Mumbai (SG116), an Akasa Air flight from Bagdogra to Bengaluru (QP 1373), an Air India flight from Delhi to Chicago (AI 127) and an Indigo flight from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) to Lucknow (6E 98). An Air India Express spokesperson told PTI in a statement that they, along with a few other operators, received a specific security threat from an unverified social media handle. In response, security protocols were promptly activated as directed by the government-appointed Bomb Threat Assessment Committee. The flight landed safely, and the aircraft will be released for operations following all mandated security procedures, the spokesperson said. The SpiceJet aircraft landed safely at the Mumbai Airport and was directed to an isolation bay as a precautionary measure. All passengers disembarked normally, and security agencies were immediately notified. After thorough security checks, the aircraft has been cleared for further operations, a SpiceJet spokesperson said. An Akasa Air spokesperson said their flight received a security alert on board. The captain followed all required emergency procedures and landed safely at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru at 13:39 hours. All passengers were deplaned and the local authorities undertook the necessary safety and security checks after which the aircraft was released for operations, the spokesperson said. The Air India flight was diverted to the Iqaluit airport in Canada after it became the subject of a security threat posted online. The aircraft and passengers are being re-screened according to the laid-down security protocol. Air India has activated agencies at the airport to assist the passengers until such time that their journey can resume, an AI spokesperson said. Indigo said in a statement that it was cognisant of a situation involving flight 6E 98 from Dammam to Lucknow. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and we are working closely with the relevant authorities and taking all necessary precautions as per the guidelines, a spokesperson for the airline said. The Dammam-Lucknow flight landed at the Jaipur airport following its diversion. The aircraft has been sent to an isolation bay, an official at the Jaipur airport said. The suspect X handle tagged the respective airline and some police handles, claiming that bombs were placed on these planes, the sources said. Four different X handles issued a similar threat to three international flights originating from Mumbai on Monday. All the messages on Monday were declared a hoax after security and intelligence agencies as well as airline and airport operators carried out stipulated anti-terrorist security drills that are activated in case of bomb or hijack threats, the sources said. Officials said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has sought the help of Indian cyber-security agencies and police to trace the person or people behind these threats.

Multiple flights get bomb threats through social media posts

NEW DELHI: Four planes, including one bound for the United States, received bomb-threat messages through a social media handle on Tuesday, prompting security agencies to undertake specific counter-terrorist drills at various airports, official sources said. The threats via microblogging platform X came a day after three international flights originating from Mumbai received bomb threats, causing trouble to hundreds of passengers and airline crew. The messages posted on Monday were declared hoax. The sources said an X handle issued threats on Tuesday to four planes -- an Air India Express aircraft from Jaipur to Bengaluru via Ayodhya (IX765), a SpiceJet plane from Darbhanga to Mumbai (SG116), an Akasa Air plane from Siliguri to Bengaluru (QP 1373) and an Air India plane from Delhi to Chicago (AI 127). The Air India Express aircraft underwent a security check at the Ayodhya airport. The SpiceJet and Akasa Air planes have landed, according to flight-tracking websites. The AI flight from Delhi to Chicago has been diverted to Canada for security checks. Precautionary measures are being taken in all the cases, aviation security sources told PTI. The X handle tagged the airline and police handles, claiming that bombs were placed on these planes, the sources said. Four different X handles had issued a similar threat to three international flights originating from Mumbai on Monday. All the messages on Monday were declared hoax after security and intelligence agencies as well as airlines and airport operators carried out stipulated anti-terrorist security drills that are activated in case of bomb or hijack threats, the sources said. Officials said the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has sought the help of Indian cyber-security agencies and police to trace the person or people behind these threats. Additionally, an Indigo flight from Saudi Arabia also made an emergency landing in Jaipur following a bomb threat, an airport official said. The flight took off from Dammam airport in Saudi Arabia and was scheduled to land at Lucknow airport. It was diverted to Jaipur for emergency landing, the official said. The plane is at its isolation bay. Further details are awaited, the official added.

Analysis: India's Rail Infrastructure On Life Support

More than two dozen people were injured when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express rammed a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai in the Chennai Division of Southern Railway on October 11.

Bagmati Express Collision: Passengers Safely Reach Darbhanga

BIHAR-Darbhanga: A special train carrying passengers affected by the October 11 collision involving the Bagmati Superfast Express arrived safely in Darbhanga early Monday morning. The Bagmati Express, which was traveling from Mysore to Darbhanga, collided with a freight train near Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadus Tiruvallur district last Friday. While several passengers sustained injuries, there were no reported fatalities. Following the incident, a special train was arranged to transport stranded passengers. This train departed from Chennai Central railway station on Saturday morning and successfully reached Darbhanga. At Darbhanga station, passengers shared their harrowing experiences and expressed relief at surviving the accident. Many appreciated the support provided by railway officials, local authorities, and community members after the collision. One of the injured passengers, Sunil Kumar, described the moment of the accident: I was eating and resting when a sudden jolt threw me off my seat. I lost consciousness, and when I came to, I had blood on my head and feet. Others helped me get out of the coach. Sunil explained how the scene was terrifying, with one coach stacked on another, and he also mentioned losing his belongings in the chaos. Soni Devi, who was returning home after medical treatment, recalled, We were waiting for our food when we heard a loud noise, and chaos erupted. Our coach derailed, but we were fortunate to escape unharmed. Others, however, were not as lucky. Another passenger, Sitaraman Jha, reflected on the event, saying, By Gods grace, we survived. When we got out of the coach, there was no major loss of life or property, but the railway was damaged, and many passengers were hurt. Injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Chennai, while those who were unharmed were sent to Darbhanga by the special train. Rescue efforts commenced soon after the accident, with railway, police, and fire department officials arriving on the scene. An investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway. Despite no fatalities, fear was still evident among the passengers at Darbhanga station. As of now, 16 passengers have filed complaints regarding lost belongings. The accident occurred around 8:30 pm on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraipettai, causing the derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train. The incident disrupted train services in the region, leading to the cancellation of two trains and the rerouting of several others. Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement Chennai Train Accident: 19 Injured as Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Derails, Rescue Efforts Underway Kavach: Pioneering Rail Safety Across Indias Expansive Network

Railways grapples with sabotage attempts

NEW DELHI: Indian Railways is facing a challenge as there have been multiple attempts to derail trains since June this year, though in most cases alert locomotive crews prevented derailments. In some cases, coaches jumped tracks. Probes by railway officials have revealed suspected sabotages to cause derailments. In most cases, objects have been placed on railway tracks. On October 11, Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai station in Chennai rail division, causing injuries to nine passengers. A three-member of senior railway officials raised serious apprehension of sabotage after inspecting the accident site, sources said. An NIA team also visited the spot for investigation. On Sunday, an alert loco pilot spotted a gas cylinder on Roorkee-Luxor railway tracks in Uttarakhand and prevented a possible derailment. The gas cylinder was empty but it could have caused problem to a running train, an railway official said. Two coaches of an empty local train derailed on in Mumbai on Sunday also, affecting suburban services. On September 19, a seven-foot-long iron rod was spotted on tracks between Bilaspur road and Rudrapur before the Doon Express was to ply. An alert loco pilot spotted it and applied an emergency break to halt the train, which prevented derailment, officials said. On September 21, the fish-plates, which keep the tracks connected with ground supports, were found removed near Surat in Gujarat before Bandra Garib Rath was to passing there. Its timely detection prevented an accident, officials said. On September 22, the loco pilot of a goods train spotted a gas cylinder placed on the tracks near Prempur railway station in Kanpur and prevented a possible derailment. On September 28, a big boulder was found placed on the tracks near Balia in UP ahead of the movement of Lucknow-Chhapra Express. On the same day, a big stone was placed on the tracks on Jhansi-Manikpur section near Mahoba in UP before the movement of Jhansi-Prayagraj passenger train. The railway and local police arrested a youth in connection with the case, officials said. According to railway sources, nearly 24 attempts of causing derailments by placing objects, including a cement bag and a bicycle, on tracks were reported in the last few months. However, alert loco pilots spotting the objects prevented derailments in most cases. In a reply sought by MP-based RTI activist Chandrashekhar Gaur, the railways has furnished figures about 200 accidents from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The RTI reply stated that 55 train accidents were reported in 2019-20; 22 in 2020-21; 35 in 2021-22; 48 in 2022-23; 40 in 2023-24 and 18 this year up to August. The railways have provided details about derailments -- 40 in 2019-20; by 17 in 2020-21; 27 in 2021-22; 36 in 2022-23 and 25 this year up to August.

DC Edit | As accidents rise, Railways have questions to answer

Probes are on to investigate why an express train entered a loop line and crashed into a stabled goods train near Chennai. The conspiracy theory of sabotage having been at work may not be a canard in this case since tell-tale signs of tampering of a switching point and signalling gear were said to have been spotted near the accident site. It is, however, the fuller picture of frequent derailments, whether through human error in the system with someone forgetting to switch trains back to the line they should be running on or mistakes by the running crew or acts of sabotage that have been seen to be happening of late, that raise huge concerns triggering fear over rail travel in the country. There were mitigating factors like Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches of German technology that do not telescope into each other in a crash, lesser speed of the train that was to negotiate a curve just after the station it was supposed to pass through and the design of the guard wagon of the goods train that absorbed much of the shock that may have proved fortunate in this derailment not leading to loss of lives while causing injuries to a few passengers. The Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express was said to have experienced a very heavy jerk while entering the station and a mysterious transfer to the loop line instead of continuing to traverse the green-lighted main line leading to the derailment of a dozen coaches and mayhem and panic in the dark for close to 1,300 people who may have been on the national long-distance train. The question to be asked is, are the Indian Railways to be trusted to offer security to the lives of the millions of passengers who opt to travel by train because not a month passes without incidents of trains going off the rails or even running into each other as it happened in the most tragic accident in Balasore, Orissa in June 2023 when nearly 300 passengers were killed and close to a thousand injured? While Opposition politicians spout criticism at the drop of a hat or the news of an accident and blame the Establishment, what should be taken note of from the critique is whether the railways as an establishment has gone off the rails regarding the safety factor that is most crucial to around 350 crore passengers who take Indian trains in a year, translating to nearly a crore people as passengers every single day. There are several questions that the railways must feel responsible enough to find the answers to. Is the system under-staffed? Is safety getting inadequate funding in the Railways budget? What about enabling the cost-effective Kavach Shield system across the main lines and trains of the country more quickly than the four- to five-year time that is being spoken of? The answer to whether ways can be found to make the maintenance crew more accountable in the upkeep with utmost safety in mind of the rails and running stock remains to be found as accountability is not the biggest national ideal, certainly not in the nationally owned enterprises. It is sad but true that passengers board trains with a faint sense of trepidation because an alternative is not to be universally had.

TN train collision: Technical team suspects sabotage after site inspection

A three-member technical team of senior railway officials from the Signal & Telecom, Engineering and Operations department raised serious apprehension of sabotage after inspecting the accident site at Kavaraippettai Railway Station in Tamil Nadu, railway sources said. On October 11, train No12578 Mysuru - Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at around 8.30 pm at Kavaraippettai Railway Station in Chennai Rail Division, Tamil Nadu, causing injuries to nine passengers. The team of senior officials have found that the mechanical parts of the interlocking system were opened. Normally, these parts get broken after an accident due to the heavy impact of the locomotive and coaches, a source, close to the inspection team, said. It looks like the miscreants, who interfered with the interlocking system, gained knowledge from some well-trained person and tried doing it elsewhere earlier for experience, he added. The Railway officials said that some cases were ..

Tamil Nadu train accident: Drone footage captures tragic scene at Mysuru-Darbhanga Express site

Mysuru-Darbhanga train mishap: 'Hote Rahta Hai,' Union Minister Lalan Singh's shocking remark on train accident

JUST SPAMMING | Where danger lurks on the ground, air and rails

It was a week of disasters that betrayed our gross inability to learn lessons from past catastrophes. Starting from the deaths of Sunday when the Indian Air Force put on display its prowess and possessions over the Marina sands to the Fridays hovering of an Air India Express flight over Tiruchi for over two hours to that nights ramming of the Bagmati Express from Mysuru to Darbhanga into a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai station near Chennai, the week brought collective grief in succession. As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in his X Page the accident at Kavaraipettai mirrored the 2023 rail mishap at Balasore in Odisha. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up?, he said. Many other ordinary people asked what happened to Kavach 4.0, which is an automatic train protection system. Since Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw travelled on a train fitted with the safety system very recently under the glare of media spotlight, people remembered it and asked why it was not fitted to the ill-fated Bagmati Express. News of that accident came in when the people of the State were just heaving a sigh of relief over the safe landing of the Air India Express flight that developed a technical snag after it took off from Tiruchi at 5.40 pm for Sharjah. That aborted flight with 141 persons onboard kept everyone on tenterhooks as it hovered over Tiruchi for over two hours before touching down at 8.20 pm, dominating prime time news, keeping various agencies on their toes and the people and passengers loved ones in deep anxiety. Relatives and friends who had reached home after dropping passengers at the airport rushed back to watch with bated breath the plane going in circles above their head. No one on the ground had a clue as to what would be the fate of the aircraft. The authorities, on their part, kept 18 fire tenders and 20 ambulances ready, anticipating an inferno. In fact the sight of a huge fleet of fire tenders and ambulances along the road outside the airport accentuated the fears of the common people who too started fearing that the aircraft might catch fire or explode when it touched down. The snag was detected after takeoff when the wheel carriage of the plane refused to retract. So the aircraft cannot continue its journey to Sharjah with the wheels jutting out. But will the wheels work and help in the safe taxiing of the aircraft if it were to return to the runway? Since the pilots or anyone on the ground could not give a definite answer, they decided to follow the protocols for landing when the wheel carriage refused to come out, leaving open the only option of a belly landing. So, to burn the fuel in the aircraft, the plane was going in circles in the sky for over two hours when friends, relatives and others concerned about the welfare of the passengers went through hell. The drivers of the ambulances and fire tenders, however, readied themselves for a rescue operation and television news channels that had just started their usual political debates abandoned the scheduled programme and kept a vigil over the flight encircling Tiruchi. But when a technical snag of that sort crops up soon after takeoff, one is tempted to ask: What kind of maintenance work was done in preparation of the international flights departure? How did the ground engineers miss noticing the faulty wheel carriage? Do we not have the men and machines to detect such flaws before takeoff? Perhaps, we will know that when the probe by aviation experts is carried out. But if it was due to some oversight that the snag was not detected while on the ground, will the incident be a lesson for our aviation industry? Going by the mess up at the Marina sands, when planes, most of them built for use in wars, went about their dedicated tasks without any hitch in the sky above, we look like slow learners. For, this is not the first time Chennai has proved that as a city it cannot handle large crowds, leave alone the fact it was the sweltering heat that killed five persons and sent about a 100 others to hospitals during the air show. Many said that DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi was on spot when she put out a message on X saying Unmanageable crowds should be avoided in the future. True, in the past, too, Chennai had choked when extraordinary crowds had gathered at the same place. Say, like the A R Rahman concert some time back. Even otherwise there have been several instances when the police have not only found it difficult to control crowds and floundered in managing them. But how did the authorities fail to calculate the quantity of water that would be required to quench the thirst of a 15 lakh crowd on Sunday. For, casualties apart, lakhs of people were traumatized by their search for a drop of water. A touching vignette, as witnessed by a journalist, was a man going to a liquor shop, as no other shop was open in the vicinity, to buy a bottle of water for his children but turned away by the salesman who needed to stock water for the tipplers who would come hours later in the evening.

NIA probes sabotage angle in train accident near Chennai

NIA is probing potential sabotage in a train collision at Kavarapettai station near Chennai that injured eight and overturned 12 coaches. Despite receiving a green signal, the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express switched to a loop line, crashing into a parked goods train. Suspicious tampering with signal components raises concerns, and officials will investigate next week.

Tamil Nadu train accident: Railways orders high-level inquiry into collision at Kavaraipettai

At least nine people were injured when Mysuru-Darbhanga Express rammed a stationary goods trainnear Chennai on the night of October 11; a parcel van went up in flames, 11 coaches derailed; NIA official visits site

Tamil Nadu train accident: Rain affects restoration work of derailed Mysuru-Darbhanga Express

Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement

Chennai: On Saturday, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team visited the site of a train collision at Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadu, where a moving passenger express train collided with a stationary goods train, injuring at least 19 people. The incident took place on Friday evening near Chennai. The accident occurred when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express entered a loop line instead of the main line. The collision caused a fire in two coaches and derailed 13 of them. The Indian Railways has initiated a high-level investigation into the incident. Restoration efforts are ongoing, but heavy rain has slowed progress. Railway officials reported on Saturday morning that it would take around 16 hours to complete the restoration work.In the meantime, stranded passengers were transferred to a special train early on Saturday morning to continue their journey. Those injured in the accident have been hospitalized for treatment. Drone footage captured the scene, showing damaged coaches scattered across the site, with a crowd gathered at the location. The accident occurred around 8:30 pm on Friday. According to railway officials, the crew felt a heavy jolt as the train approached Kavaraipettai station. Despite receiving green signals, the train switched onto the loop line instead of the main track, leading to the collision. RN Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, explained, The train was not supposed to stop here; it was meant to pass through the station. After leaving Chennai, green signals were given, and the driver followed them correctly. However, the train mistakenly took the loop line at the switch, which caused the collision. The accident resulted in a fire in the train's parcel van, and 13 coaches derailed. Train services on the affected stretch have been suspended while restoration work is carried out. The Railways has cancelled two trains and diverted several others to alternate routes. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government, stating that it had not learned from past train accidents. He tweeted, The Mysuru-Darbhanga train accident mirrors the horrific Balasore accidenta passenger train colliding with a stationary goods train. Despite many lives lost in numerous accidents, no lessons are learned. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up? Chief Minister MK Stalin assured that he was closely monitoring the rescue and restoration operations. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at Government Stanley Medical College in Chennai, while Minister Avadi Nasar and senior officials led the rescue efforts on site. According to the Railways, over 95 percent of passengers were safely evacuated from the affected coaches, and there have been no reported fatalities or severe injuries. A special train carrying stranded passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express departed from Chennai Central railway station at approximately 4:45 am on Saturday to resume their journey. The Railways ensured that food and water were provided to passengers during the wait. India vs Australia Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Showdown: A Crucial Battle for Semi-Final Spot US Sanctions Indian Firm for Alleged Role in Transporting Iranian Oil via 'Ghost Fleet' PM Internship Scheme Offered over 90,000 Opportunities for Indian Youth

Tamil Nadu Train collision : NIA begins probe into sabotage angle, Southern Railway announces solatium

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday commenced a probe to ascertain whether last night's collision between the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary goods train on the loop line, was an act of sabotage, even a Southern ...

Southern Railway initiates probe into Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailment

Chennai: The Southern Railway on Saturday, October 12 began a probe after the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express on Friday evening derailed at Kavaraipettai in Chennai as it rammed into a stationary goods train following which 13 coaches came off the track, an official said. Southern Railway chief commissioner of Railway Safety, A.M. Choudhary, is conducting an Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

No Terror Angle, Sabotage: Technical Issues May Have Led To Mysuru-Darbhanga Train Collision, Say NIA Sources

The accident occurred at 8.30pm on the Chennai-Gudur section on Friday, between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai stations, causing massive damage to both trains

What caused TN train crash? Experts say 'Balasore 2.0'

The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express train was given a green signal to pass through the main line, however, it entered a loop line already occupied by the freight train.

Tamil Nadu train accident: How Mysuru-Darbhanga Express derailed from destination?

Kavaraipettai train accident: Restoration work to be completed by Oct 13

Restoration of the railway lines at Kavaraipettai near here where the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati express derailed after ramming into a goods train on Oct 11 night, has been intensified, and the section with four lines will be restored by early morning of October 13, the railway said on Saturday. Terming the collision as an unfortunate incident the railway said of the four lines at Kavaraipettai, the UP line and UP Loop line were expected to be restored tonight while two other lines were expected to be restored by early morning tomorrow. The restoration efforts are being carried out with maximum urgency and precision to ensure the safety of tracks, signals and other operational aspects, said Southern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer M Senthamil Selvan. The Southern Railway was working in close collaboration with all relevant authorities and agencies to handle the situation with the utmost care, he said in a release here. The key agencies including the National Disaster Response

Mysuru-Darbanga Express collision: What led to this incident near Chennai? An official breakdown of events

A Darbhanga-bound express train collided with a stationary goods train in Kavarapettai, near Chennai. The incident caused two compartments to catch fire and four air-conditioned coaches to derail. Emergency services responded quickly. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. No casualties have been confirmed at this time.

What Led To Darbhanga-Bound Train's Derailment Near Chennai & Why There Were No Fatalities?

The Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (Train No. 12578) derailed following a collision with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai railway station near Chennai.

Mysuru-Darbhanga train collision disrupts services, THESE trains are diverted

Rail services have been significantly disrupted following a collision between Train No. 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Express and a goods train near Kavaraippettai Railway Station at around 20:30 hrs.

Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collision: Southern Railway says train 'mistakenly' entered loop where...

The Train No.12578 Mysuru - Darbhanga Bagmati Express met with an accident around 8.30 pm on October 11 and the passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and then to Chennai Central by two EMU specials, the railway said.

Mysore-Darbhanga train accident: Restoration work is on at site in Kavarapettai

The General Manager and Additional General Manager, Southern Railway and Principal Heads of department, and other officials of Railways are at the site overseeing track restoration work.

Chennai Train Accident: 19 Injured as Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Derails, Rescue Efforts Underway

A tragic accident occurred on October 10 at 8:30 pm when 12-13 coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express derailed after colliding with a stationary goods train between Ponneri and Kavarappettai railway stations in Chennai. The collision left 19 people injured, but fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far. To assist those affected, a special train was arranged, departing from Dr. MGR Chennai Central Railway Station at 4:45 am, carrying stranded passengers of the derailed Mysuru-Darbhanga Express. Railway officials ensured that the passengers received food and water during their wait. Following the collision, a parcel van from the goods train caught fire, leading to the derailment of 13 coaches. The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express was traveling at a speed of 75 kmph when it entered the loop line, hitting the rear of the stationary goods train. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, said that over 95% of passengers had been safely evacuated from the affected coaches, and no reports of serious injuries or casualties had been received. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at a nearby hospital late at night. In the wake of the accident, Southern Railways diverted several long-distance trains, including those bound for Kamakhya and Guwahati. The Jan Shatabdi Express to and from Vijayawada was also canceled. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his shock over the incident and said he had immediately directed Minister for Minorities SM Nasar and other officials to reach the accident site to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Kavach: Pioneering Rail Safety Across Indias Expansive Network Indian Railways to Operate 6,556 Special Trains for Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja

Mysuru-Darbhanga train collides with stationary goods train near Chennai, 13 coaches derailed, 19 hurt, no casualties

Nineteen passengers were injured when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai in Chennai Division in the Southern Railway on Friday night, even as Chief Minister M K Stalin deputed a ...

TN rail mishap: Special train leaves with passengers

Passengers stranded due to the Darbhanga Bagmati express meeting with an accident at Kavaraipettai near in Chennai left for Dharbanga by a special train on Saturday, the southern railway said.

Passengers of hit express train sent to Darbhanga by spl train: Railways

Passengers stranded due to the Darbhanga Bagmati express meeting with an accident at Kavaraipettai near here left for Dharbanga by a special train on Saturday, the southern railway said. The Train No.12578 Mysuru - Darbhanga Bagmati Express met with an accident around 8.30 pm on October 11 and the passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and then to Chennai Central by two EMU specials, the railway said. After all the passengers arrived, they were boarded onto the passenger special towards Darbhanga, via Arakkonam, Renigunta and Gudur, a release here said. The passengers were provided with food packets and water and the special train left at 4.45 am, it said. It was not supposed to stop here (Kavarapettai station), so it was to pass through it. After leaving Chennai, green signals were given for this train. The driver was following the signals correctly, but the train should have taken the main line. Instead, it took the loop line at the switch, which is where the error ..

Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Rams Into Goods Train Near Chennai, 12 Coaches Derail, 19 InjuredWhat You Need To Know

Drone footage from tragic Mysuru-Darbhanga Express accident site

Tamil Nadu Train Accident: Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express rams into goods train near Chennai, 19 injured

The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai railway stations under Chennai division of Southern railway, leading to derailment of 12 coaches of the passenger train.

MysuruDarbhanga Bagmati Express Train Accident Live News: Trains diverted, helpline numbers issued after Mysuru-Darbhanga Express collides with goods train

Express train rams into freight rake near Chennai, 20 injured as 12 coaches derail

A collision between the MysuruDarbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary freight train on the outskirts of Chennai caused derailment and a fire, leading to injuries for at least 20 passengers. The accident occurred at Kavaraipettai station when the express train mistakenly entered a loop line, shutting down train traffic for rescue operations.

Tamil Nadu train accident: Mysuru-Darbhanga Express crashes into goods train, several feared injured

Over 90% of passengers have been safely evacuated following the 12578 Bagmati Express accident, with no reports of casualties so far.

Tamil Nadu train accident LIVE: Darbhanga Express rams into goods train at Kavarapettai near Chennai

No casualties reported, crew of the express train safe; some passengers injured; up and down train services have been affected; helpline numbers: 04425354151 and 04424354995

TN: Bagmati Express collides with goods train, derails; injuries reported

Chennai: Five coaches of the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed on Friday, October 11, after ramming into a stationary goods train at Kavarapettiyil in Chennai, officials said. Even as there were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries are suspected as three coaches caught fire following the accident. In the videos and pictures circulating on social media, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Live Updates: Express And Goods Trains Collide In Tamil Nadu, Passengers Injured

Tamil Nadu Train Collision Live: A passenger train going from Mysore to Darbhanga has collided with a stationary goods train in Tamil Nadu.

Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Train derails near Kavarapettai

Chennai : Mysuru-Darbhanga Express train was involved in an accident near Kavarapettai, Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu on Friday. As per preliminary information, Mysore - Dharbanga express colluded with a good train. At least four coaches derailed in the accident. The state government has dispatched senior officers for the rescue and relief operations. More details are awaited.

12 Coaches of Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express Derailed, 3 Catch Fire After Collision With Goods Train Near Chennai

Train No 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Superfast Express allegedly entered in a loop line and collided with a stationary good train, railway sources said.