Bilaspur-Tirunelveli Express Derails Near TN-Kerala Border
The Bilaspur-Tirunelveli Express derailed near Parassala due to a landslide caused by heavy rain. No injuries reported, but several trains are cancelled.
The early hours of Thursday, October 22, 2026, saw a major disruption in rail services as the Bilaspur-Tirunelveli Express (Train No. 22619) derailed near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. The incident occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m. near Parassala station, causing significant concern for passengers and railway authorities alike.
Landslide Triggers Derailment
The derailment took place in the Neyyattinkara-Parassala section, triggered by extreme weather conditions. Intense rainfall in the region led to a landslide, sending debris onto the tracks. This sudden obstruction caused the locomotive to jump the rails, resulting in four of its wheels being derailed. Southern Railway has confirmed that despite the suddenness of the incident, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or the railway staff on board.
Rapid Recovery and Service Restoration
Railway emergency response teams acted swiftly to manage the crisis. An Accident Relief Train (ART), equipped with specialized tools and trained personnel, was immediately dispatched to the site. Through intensive efforts, the locomotive was successfully re-railed and removed from the tracks, allowing railway services on the affected section to resume by 8:10 a.m.
Widespread Train Cancellations and Delays
While the tracks were cleared relatively quickly, the combination of the derailment and ongoing inclement weather has caused a ripple effect across the regional rail network. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for the area, which are expected to remain in place through October 25.
Impacted Services
A total of six passenger trains were cancelled on October 22 due to the situation. The Bilaspur-Tirunelveli Express, which had departed from Bilaspur on October 20, was short-terminated at Neyyattinkara. To ensure travelers could reach their destinations, the railway authorities arranged for alternative bus services to carry passengers toward Tirunelveli.
Other major services facing significant disruptions, including delays, rescheduling, or short-terminations, include:
- Tambaram-Thiruvananthapuram Central Special
- Madurai-Punalur Express
- Tambaram-Thiruvananthapuram Central Amrit Bharat Express
- Kanyakumari-Mangaluru Central Parasuram Express
Passenger Assistance and Regional Alerts
To assist those caught in the disruption, Southern Railway has established a dedicated help desk at Thiruvananthapuram Central station. As the heavy rains continue to lash the region, local administrations in several districts across both Tamil Nadu and Kerala have taken the precaution of closing schools to ensure public safety.