2 yrs on, promises fade after Bahanaga train tragedy

Lofty Promises, Little Progress

- POST NEWS NETWORK

Two years after one of India's deadliest rail disasters struck Bahanaga in Balasore district, the trauma still lingers—but many promises made in its wake remain unfulfilled.

On the evening of June 2, 2023, a signalling error caused the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express to veer onto a loop line, where it collided with a stationary freight train near Bahanaga Bazar railway station. The impact led to the derailment of 19 coaches. Moments later, the Yesvantpur-Howrah Superfast Express travelling on the down line hit the wreckage.

The cries of the injured passengers brought nearby villagers rushing to the site, who were the first responders before rescue efforts were begun by authorities.

The horrific triple-train crash killed more than 250 people and left over 1,000 injured, triggering national and international outrage. In the days that followed, both Central and state authorities announced a series of ambitious development and rehabilitation plans for the area.

However, much of that momentum has since faded.