On Thursday afternoon, 12 June 2025, the fourth coach of the Hazrat Nizamuddin-Ghaziabad passenger train (Train No. 64419) derailed near Shivaji Bridge station in central Delhi at approximately 4:10 PM. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported, but the incident caused significant disruption on one of Delhi’s busiest suburban rail corridors.
Northern Railway officials responded swiftly, deploying emergency teams to assist passengers and restore the tracks. A high-level investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the derailment, while train services gradually resumed by late evening amid commuter inconvenience and heightened safety concerns.
Emergency Response and Passenger Safety Prioritised
The derailment occurred on the down main line near Shivaji Bridge, a critical junction in Delhi’s suburban rail network that handles thousands of passengers daily. According to Northern Railway officials, the fourth coach of the NZM-GZB EMU train suddenly jumped off the tracks, prompting immediate action from railway staff and emergency responders.
Heavy-duty cranes and technical teams were dispatched to the site to re-rail the coach and clear the tracks. “All passengers onboard were safely evacuated, and there have been no reports of injuries or casualties,” confirmed a Northern Railway spokesperson.
Passengers stranded at the site received prompt assistance, and temporary arrangements were made to facilitate their onward travel. Senior railway officials were present throughout the operation, ensuring safety protocols were followed and providing regular updates to the public.
Investigation Underway Amid Continued Disruptions
The derailment caused widespread delays and rerouting of trains on the Delhi-Ghaziabad suburban route, one of the most heavily trafficked corridors in the National Capital Region. Northern Railway has launched a thorough investigation to identify the root cause, considering factors such as track defects, mechanical failure of the coach, or possible signalling errors.
The incident has reignited longstanding concerns about the safety and maintenance of India’s suburban rail infrastructure, particularly in densely populated urban areas where commuter volumes are high.
Restoration work was completed by late evening, allowing partial resumption of services, but the disruption underscored the vulnerability of the system to such incidents. Railway authorities have assured the public of transparent inquiry findings and necessary corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While it is a relief that no lives were lost in this derailment, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure upgrades in India’s suburban rail networks. The swift and efficient response by railway officials demonstrates commendable crisis management, but it also highlights the critical importance of proactive maintenance and investment to safeguard millions of daily commuters.
The Logical Indian believes that transparent investigations, public accountability, and sustained improvements in rail safety are essential to building commuter confidence and ensuring peaceful, reliable public transport. As a society, we must continue to advocate for these changes with empathy and constructive dialogue. What do you think are the most effective steps that can be taken to improve railway safety and commuter experience in India?
