Odisha train tragedy: 51 hours later, train movement restored on tracks

Rebuilding of the broken track infrastructure was completed 51 hours after the deadly train accident in Balasore, and train movement resumed on both tracks late Sunday night, the ministry of railways announced.

“Our goal is to make sure missing persons’ family members can find them as soon as possible…our responsibility is not over yet,” Union minister for railways Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters after the restoration work was completed.

The first rake moved through the restored tracks was a rake of BOXN wagons (used for carrying coal) from the Visakhapatnam Port to a steel plant in Rourkela. In the opposite direction, officials said the first train was moved shortly afterwards, which was an empty freight train.