Thousands of passengers were left stranded today as a minor derailment at the Rewari Junction yard snowballed into a major logistical nightmare for the North Western Railway (NWR).
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The Incident: Around 1:30 PM, a single wagon of a freight train carrying industrial raw materials derailed while moving through the yard points. Although no injuries were reported, the position of the derailed wagon blocked the crossover points that connect the Delhi-Rewari line with the Jaipur-bound tracks.
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Traffic Impact: The derailment effectively cut off one of the busiest rail corridors in North India. Major trains affected included:
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Cancellations: Four local passenger trains and two express services were cancelled.
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Rescheduling: The New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi and Double Decker Express were delayed by over four hours.
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Diversions: Several long-distance trains coming from Gujarat and Rajasthan were halted at stations like Alwar and Khairthal.
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Restoration Efforts: An Accident Relief Train (ART) was rushed from Delhi to assist the local technical staff. Heavy-duty hydraulic jacks were used to lift the wagon back onto the rails. Officials also had to inspect the track for damage to the “tongue rails” (points) which are critical for switching tracks.
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Official Statement: “The derailment appears to be a technical glitch during the switching of tracks. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to determine if it was due to a mechanical failure in the wagon or a defect in the track geometry,” said a senior NWR official.
