Bihar Railway Accident Averted: Track Fracture Detected Near Kumar Bagh

A serious railway accident was averted in Bihar when a track fracture was discovered near Kumar Bagh station. The Bagaha–Patliputra Intercity Express was halted, preventing potential disaster. Investigations are now underway to determine the cause of the fracture, raising concerns about construction quality and safety protocols. Local residents and railway experts are questioning how such a defect could occur shortly after inspection. The incident has prompted railway authorities to launch a high-level inquiry to ensure accountability and improve safety measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 12:54 IST

Incident Overview

On Saturday morning, a significant railway disaster was narrowly avoided in Bettiah, located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, when a fracture was discovered on the tracks close to the Kumar Bagh railway station.

The Bagaha–Patliputra Intercity Express, managed by Indian Railways, was halted as a precautionary measure just before reaching Kumar Bagh station, preventing a potential mishap. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although the abrupt stop caused alarm among the passengers.

Track Inspection and Concerns

Railway officials indicated that approximately 9 kilometers of track doubling had been recently completed in this area. The newly installed track had undergone inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on February 18, which allowed train operations at speeds up to 120 km/h.

However, the discovery of a fracture within just ten days of this clearance has raised significant concerns regarding the quality of construction and the effectiveness of monitoring processes.

Response and Investigation

The incident unfolded as the Intercity Express approached Kumar Bagh station. Upon receiving alerts about a potential track fracture, railway authorities promptly halted the train, which remained stationary for nearly two hours while officials evaluated the situation.

Railway engineers and senior officials quickly arrived at the scene to conduct a technical inspection. Emergency repairs were initiated on the damaged section of the track, allowing the train to proceed cautiously afterward.

To minimize disruption, several other trains were rerouted to alternative lines during the repair work.

Passenger Experience and Local Concerns

Passengers expressed anxiety during the delay, but railway staff worked to ensure their safety and maintain order at the site.

Local residents pointed out that the doubling work had only recently been completed and questioned how a fracture could occur so soon after the inspection and approval.

Expert Insights and Future Actions

Experts in railway safety suggest that track fractures can arise from various factors, including sudden temperature changes, structural stress, construction flaws, or the use of inferior materials. The precise cause will be established following a thorough technical investigation.

In response to the incident, railway authorities have initiated a high-level inquiry to assess whether there were any lapses in construction standards, inspection protocols, or routine track monitoring. Officials have stated that strict measures will be taken against any agency or personnel found accountable.

While prompt action averted a potential disaster, this incident has once again highlighted the critical issues surrounding railway safety and infrastructure quality.