A serious accident occurred at the Ayodhya-Rae Bareli railway crossing in Amethi district on March 18, 2025, when a container truck collided with a goods train in the early hours of the morning, causing severe disruption to train services. The impact of the collision resulted in significant damage to the truck and the front portion of the train, along with major damage to the railway track and overhead electric line.

Details of the Collision

The collision took place around 2:30 am on the Lucknow-Varanasi-via-Sultanpur route, when the railway gate was open, and the gateman was reportedly absent from his post. According to police reports, the driver of the truck, identified as Sonu Chaudhary (28), sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the community health centre in Jagdishpur. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later referred to the district hospital, where he is currently stable after receiving critical care.

Extent of Damage and Impact on Rail Services

Officials reported that the collision caused extensive damage to the railway track and the overhead electric line, leading to an immediate halt in train movement along the busy route. The front portion of the goods train was also badly damaged due to the force of the impact.

Railway authorities and police teams were quickly dispatched to the accident site to assess the damage and initiate repair work. Sachinder Mohan Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Northern Railways’ Lucknow Division, stated that the repair work is in progress, and efforts are being made to restore train services as soon as possible. However, officials have not specified an exact timeline for resumption.

Investigation Launched on Gateman’s Absence

A preliminary investigation has revealed that the gateman was not present at the time of the incident, which raises serious concerns regarding negligence. The railway gate was left open, allowing the truck to cross the tracks, leading to the unfortunate collision. The absence of the gateman has prompted railway authorities to initiate a formal inquiry into the lapses in protocol that resulted in the accident.

Eyewitness Account and Aftermath

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crashing sound when the truck collided with the train, followed by a temporary power outage in the nearby areas. Railway staff and police teams arrived promptly to prevent further escalation and began securing the site for repair operations.

According to officials, the collision’s impact was so severe that it mangled the truck’s body beyond recognition and caused significant damage to the engine of the goods train. Local residents also expressed concerns over safety lapses and highlighted the need for better monitoring at railway crossings to prevent such incidents.

Rail Traffic Disruption and Repair Work

The collision led to massive disruption of rail traffic on the Lucknow-Varanasi-via-Sultanpur line, with several trains either cancelled or diverted. The repair work, which involves restoring the damaged railway track and overhead electric line, is expected to take several hours. Technical teams from Northern Railways are working on a war footing to expedite the restoration process and minimise passenger inconvenience.

Agra-Lucknow Expressway Accident Adds to Road Safety Concerns

In a separate incident, earlier this month, four people were killed and 19 others injured in a bus-truck collision on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in the Fatehabad area of Agra. The accident, which occurred around 5:40 am on a Saturday, involved a bus travelling from Lucknow to Agra that lost control while overtaking and collided with a truck.

According to Police Station Incharge DP Tiwari, the bus (registration number RJ18PB5811) collided with a truck (registration number RJ11GD0561) near the 27 km mark of the expressway, resulting in multiple casualties.

Authorities Stress Need for Improved Safety Protocols

The Ayodhya-Rae Bareli railway collision and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway accident highlight the urgent need for stricter safety protocols at railway crossings and expressways across Uttar Pradesh. Authorities are now being urged to enhance surveillance at critical points, ensure that gatekeepers remain vigilant, and implement automated systems to prevent human error.

Next Steps and Accountability Measures

As repair work continues, railway authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the accident, with a particular focus on the absence of the gateman at the railway crossing. The findings will likely result in corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Additionally, action will be taken against any individuals found responsible for the lapses that led to the collision. The Northern Railways division has assured the public that safety measures will be strengthened to avoid similar occurrences going forward.

In the meantime, train services on the affected route are expected to resume soon, with passengers being kept informed about the progress of the repair and restoration work.

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