1,000 workers, heavy machinery, 24×7: Restoration on track, trains chug through

Two more goods trains passed through the site soon after. “Down-line restoration complete. First train movement in section,” tweeted Vaishnaw.

Down-line restoration complete. First train movement in section. pic.twitter.com/cXy3jUOJQ2

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (मोदी का परिवार) (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 4, 2023

The resumption of traffic was the result of work undertaken on a war-footing by more than 1,000 workers and railway officials through Saturday night and Sunday. By the evening, the rubble was cleared and the track was ready for a trial run.

Heavy machinery, including seven pocketing machines, a 140-tonne railway crane and four road cranes, was deployed at the accident site.

According to Vaishnaw, who was present at the spot from Saturday night, complete restoration of services is expected by “Tuesday night or Wednesday morning”.

#WATCH | Indian Railways has started running passenger trains on the tracks which were affected due to #TrainAccident in Odisha’s Balasore pic.twitter.com/E9NTCv1ieO

— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2023

Speaking to reporters at the site late Sunday night, Vaishnaw said: “The way the Prime Minister came to this site and led us, inspired the team, it strengthened the team and they worked day and night on a war footing to restore the system in 51 hours. As you saw, three trains have gone and seven are planned in total tonight. We have to take it towards normalisation.”

He became emotional as he continued: “With full sympathy, those who lost their loved ones, we have to make sure their bodies reach them. Our obligation towards them is not over.”

He said: “Immediately after the tragedy, Balasore, Soro and Bhadrak district administrations initiated rescue operations. By the time rescue operations ended, restoration work started in full swing. Work has been completed on both main lines. Now, work for overhead electrification is on.”

Railway authorities used loudspeakers to alert residents about the  work. A large contingent of Railway Police was also deployed at the site.

Over 1,000 workers remained on site, apart from railway officials and technicians.

By Sunday morning, all 21 bogies that capsized due to the derailment at Bahanaga Bazar Station were moved and fresh tracks were placed.

Men atop Railway inspection cars were working on the fresh tracks to repair overhead wires. Damaged bogies were moved offf the tracks.