UP train tragedy: Six killed after being hit by Netaji Express at Chunar station — CM Yogi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for deceased

A major railway accident occurred at Chunar station in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district on Wednesday morning when six devotees were run over by the Netaji Express. The victims were crossing the railway line to reach the Ganga ghat for Kartik Purnima rituals when the train struck them at around 9:30 am.

According to reports, the Chopan–Prayagraj Express (Train No. 13309) had arrived at Platform No. 4, and some passengers disembarked on the wrong side of the platform. As they attempted to cross the main line, the Netaji Express (Train No. 12311), coming at full speed, hit them. Eyewitnesses said panic spread across the station as the devotees were caught off-guard.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel reached the site soon after the incident and removed the bodies from the track. The victims were identified as local residents of Mirzapur and neighbouring Sonbhadra district.

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CM Yogi orders relief, announces Rs 2 lakh compensation

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the tragedy and announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased.

In a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, CM Yogi described the incident as “unfortunate” and instructed senior officers to oversee relief and rescue operations on the ground. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to expedite relief work.

Minister confirms victims were pilgrims heading for Ganga Snan

State Minister Sanjeev Kumar Gaud, who visited the site, confirmed that all six victims were pilgrims travelling for the Ganga Snan on Kartik Purnima. “Five victims belonged to Mirzapur and one was from Sonbhadra. They had come for the holy bath when this unfortunate incident occurred. We stand with the families in this hour of grief,” he said.

Gaud assured that a detailed investigation is underway and that strict action will follow if any negligence is found. The minister added that the government will ensure compensation and support reach the bereaved families at the earliest. The bodies were later sent to Mirzapur for post-mortem examination.

Officials said preliminary findings confirm that passengers ignored safety instructions and crossed the main line despite the availability of a Foot Over Bridge. The railway administration reiterated that crossing active rail lines is highly dangerous and against safety norms.

Railway administration urges caution

In a public statement, the Indian Railways expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed to passengers to follow safety rules strictly. “Passengers are advised never to cross railway tracks and to always use the Foot Over Bridge or designated crossing routes,” the statement read.

Officials have also said that awareness campaigns will be intensified across railway stations, especially during festive and religious occasions when crowd movement increases sharply.

Mirzapur mourns as safety lapses come into focus

The tragedy has plunged Mirzapur into mourning, with the community reeling from the loss of six devotees who had come for the sacred Kartik Purnima bath. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow, as chants of peace and condolence filled the riverside.

Residents expressed anguish that a moment of faith turned into one of despair. Many urged authorities to strengthen crowd management and safety measures at stations during religious occasions. “People come here with devotion. There should be clear warnings and more staff to guide them safely,” said a local resident.

District officials said they would review safety infrastructure across key stations in coordination with railway authorities to prevent such incidents. They assured that additional precautions and public awareness drives would be implemented ahead of future gatherings.