In a tragic incident on November 4 2025, a passenger train in Chhattisgarh collided with a stationary cargo rake after apparently passing a signal at danger, according to initial investigations by the South East Central Railway (SECR). The accident occurred near Bilaspur Junction at approximately 4 pm, when the commuter MEMU train connecting Gevra to Bilaspur hit the parked freight vehicles, killing 11 people and injuring over 20.
Rescue operations were immediately activated, with relief trains and medical teams dispatched from Bilaspur. Many of the injured are undergoing treatment at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences and other local hospitals. Families of the deceased have been offered ex-gratia assistance of ₹10 lakh per victim, while the critically injured are eligible for ₹5 lakh and those with minor injuries ₹1 lakh, as per official railway announcements.
According to the report, the engine and the first coach of the passenger train mounted onto the last wagon of the freight rake, underscoring the severity of impact. The railway safety commissioner will conduct a full inspection to determine root causes and recommend corrective measures.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sahai expressed condolences on social media and assured state government support for victims and their families. He added that the administration is monitoring treatment of injured passengers and that investigations are a top priority.
This incident marks the sixth major rail accident in India this year outside of level crossings, reigniting concerns about signal-passed-at-danger (SPAD) incidents and safety protocols in the Indian Railway network.
