A coal-laden goods train derailed at 1 a.m., on Friday, 30 km from Balharshah, leading to cancellation, partial cancellation and diversion of dozens of trains.
The spot where the derailment took place is about 345 km from the zonal headquarters of Secunderabad, and the Kazipet-Balharshah section of the South Central Railway (SCR) is right on the Grand Trunk line that links the north of India with the south.
This made matters worse for the railway machinery and sent hordes of men and material to restore the tracks, with the works being overseen by a dozen senior officials. General Manager, Southern Railway, Vashishta Johri, who is currently looking after the SCR, flew from Chennai to catch a special train from Secunderabad to reach the location.
In all, 11 express trains including some important superfast trains connecting different State capitals to New Delhi were cancelled on Friday and 15 more were partially cancelled.
Trains diverted
In the up direction towards New Delhi, 27 express and passenger trains were diverted via alternative route, while in the down direction, 18 trains were diverted.
By 1 p.m., on Friday, Mr. Johri had also reviewed the situation with his officers in person and over tele-conference from Secunderabad before leaving for Balharshah. After reaching the spot, he said that traffic on at least one line would be restored by late evening.
Among the trains that were cancelled were no. 12723 Hyderabad-New Delhi Telangana Express scheduled to depart on January 6 and the return No. 12724 New Delhi-Hyderabad Telangana Express scheduled to depart New Delhi on Saturday.
Initial inquiries, senior officials said, had not revealed any specific reason for the derailment. They were keen on restoration of tracks for the present, it is learnt.
A detailed probe would be conducted by the Commissioner for Railway Safety.
Meanwhile, a helpline has been set up at Vijayawada with the number 0866-2575038, said a press release.
