Chhattisgarh Train Collision Update: At least 4 feared dead near Bilaspur; Railways announces Rs 10 lakh for deceased, Rs 5 lakh for injured

At least four people died and several others were injured after a MEMU passenger train crashed into a stationary goods train near Jairamnagar station in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday afternoon. The collision occurred around 4 pm on the busy Bilaspur–Champa section of the South East Central Railway, disrupting rail traffic on one of the region’s key routes.

According to initial reports, the local passenger train collided at speed with the parked goods train, leading to the derailment of its front coaches. Rescue teams were deployed immediately, with the Railways and local authorities coordinating efforts to assist passengers trapped in the compartments.

Senior officials rush to the site

South East Central Railway General Manager Tarun Prakash and Bilaspur Divisional Railway Manager Rajmal Khoiwal reached the site shortly after the crash to monitor rescue and relief operations. Emergency personnel, railway engineers and medical teams worked through the evening to extricate passengers and restore movement on the affected track.

“The situation is being handled on priority, and medical teams are ensuring that those injured receive prompt treatment,” an official said. Several injured passengers have been admitted to hospitals in Bilaspur.

Compensation announced for victims

The South East Central Railway, in an official statement, described the collision as “an unexpected incident” near Bilaspur station and announced ex-gratia compensation for those affected.

Families of the deceased will receive Rs 10 lakh each, while passengers who were seriously injured will get Rs 5 lakh. Those with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh as financial assistance.

The statement said that relief and rescue operations were being carried out “on a war footing”, with senior officers stationed at the site to oversee evacuation and medical arrangements. The Railways also assured that it was extending “all possible assistance and coordination” to passengers and their families.

CRS-level inquiry ordered

A detailed investigation will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to determine the cause of the collision and recommend corrective measures. Railway officials said early indications suggest a possible signalling error or communication lapse, but the findings will be confirmed only after the inquiry.

Helpline numbers issued for passengers and families

The Railways has released updated emergency helpline numbers for passengers and relatives seeking information about those on board.

Emergency contact numbers:

• Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
• Champa: 8085956528
• Raigarh: 9752485600
• Pendra Road: 8294730162
• Korba: 7869953330
• Usalapur: 7777857338

Earlier helplines remain operational as well:

Accident site helplines: 9752485499, 8602007202

Passengers and their families can contact these numbers for verified information. The Railways said it continues to monitor the situation closely and ensure coordinated medical and logistical support.

Restoration work underway

Track clearance and restoration efforts began soon after rescue operations commenced. Officials said that services on the affected section are expected to be restored after inspection and safety checks.

The Railways has also assured that an assessment of the damaged rolling stock and signalling systems will follow once all passengers are safely evacuated.