Overview
- The goods train derailed between Lahaban and Simultala around 23:25 on December 27, blocking both Up and Down lines on a key east–west corridor.
- Accident Relief Trains from Asansol, Madhupur and Jhajha were deployed, and restoration is underway on a war footing to clear the section.
- Rail operations on the Howrah–Patna–Delhi and Delhi–Howrah routes were disrupted, with multiple cancellations, rescheduling and diversions announced.
- Eastern Railway officials reported eight derailed wagons, while some media and local accounts disputed the count, citing around 10 to as many as 19 and claiming several fell from a bridge.
- Named services affected included the 12369 Howrah–Dehradun Kumbha Express, 13105 Sealdah–Ballia Express and 13030 Mokama–Howrah Express, with diversions via Dhanbad–Gaya for trains such as 12305 Howrah–New Delhi Rajdhani and 22347 Howrah–Patna Vande Bharat.