Head-On Collision Between Two Goods Trains in Jharkhand Kills Two Loco Pilots; One Was to Retire Today

Dumka/Sahibganj: In a tragic accident early Tuesday morning, two loco pilots were killed and four others injured after a head-on collision between two NTPC-operated goods trains in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district. Shockingly, one of the deceased, Kaleshwar Mal, was set to retire on the same day.

The collision occurred around 3:30 AM on the Lalmatiya-Farakka MGR (Merry-Go-Round) line near Bhognadih under Barhait police station. Preliminary reports suggest negligence by both loco pilots, though an official investigation is underway.

What Happened?

• A coal-laden goods train, moving from Lalmatiya (Godda) to Farakka (West Bengal), collided with a stationary train near the NTPC gate.
• The impact was so severe that both engines derailed, and a fire broke out in the moving train. Fire tenders from Sahibganj doused the flames.
• The deceased were identified as Ambuj Mahto (from Bokaro) and Kaleshwar Mal (from West Bengal). The injured were rushed to Barhait health centre, with some later shifted to Malda and Kolkata for advanced treatment.

Key Details:

• The railway track is a dedicated coal route managed by NTPC, not Indian Railways.
• The Rajmahal coal project (ECL) supplies coal to NTPC’s Farakka and Kahalgaon power plants via this line.
• NTPC has sought help from Eastern Railways for rescue operations, including a 140-tonne crane from Sahibganj.

🚨 Tragic Train Collision in Jharkhand! 🚨

At 3 AM, two NTPC-operated goods trains collided head-on in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj, leaving 2 drivers dead and 4 injured!

The track connects Kahalgaon and Farakka Power plant is NOT linked to Indian Railways. #trainaccident pic.twitter.com/4kjlQ1Pi5P

— Trains of India (@trainwalebhaiya) April 1, 2025

Victim’s Tragic Twist

Kaleshwar Mal, employed with an NTPC outsourcing firm, was on his final duty before retirement. NTPC officials confirmed they are in touch with the families of the deceased and injured, assuring compensation.

Official Statements:

• Sahibganj DC Hemant Sati: Initial reports indicate pilot error, but a detailed probe is on.
• Eastern Railways Spokesperson Kausik Mitra: Confirmed the trains and tracks belong to NTPC; Railways is only assisting in restoration.
• NTPC Statement: A team is coordinating with local authorities for restoration and investigation.

No passenger trains were affected as the accident occurred on a freight-only line. Further updates are awaited as rescue and repair operations continue.