Railway Ministry Removes Asansol DRM After Major Derailment

Brief By Newsbrief / 8:52 AM on 03 Jan 2026

The Railway Ministry has taken decisive administrative action following a serious rail accident on the Jasidih–Jhajha section of the Patna–Howrah main line. In the aftermath of the incident, Vinita Srivastava has been removed from her post as Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Asansol Railway Division. She had assumed charge only five months ago, in August 2025. The move is being viewed as a significant step by the ministry in response to the derailment.

According to an official order issued by the Railway Board, Sudhir Kumar Sharma has been appointed as the new DRM of the Asansol division. Railway officials indicated that the decision reflects accountability measures following the accident on the busy rail corridor.

The derailment occurred on December 28 near Telwa Bazar Halt in Bihar’s Jamui district. A cement-laden freight train derailed late at night around 11:20 pm between Simultala and Lahaban stations. As many as 17 wagons went off the tracks on a railway bridge over the Barua River. Of these, six wagons plunged into the river, causing extensive disruption to rail traffic on the Jasidih–Jhajha section.

Rail services on the route were affected for several hours as restoration work was undertaken. Senior railway officials monitored the situation closely, and an inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident. The incident has once again raised concerns over safety and infrastructure maintenance on high-density rail routes.

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