A maintenance train derails near Olakkur in Villupuram district

A Southern Railway track maintenance train derailed near Olakkur railway station, disrupting traffic on the Villupuram-Mailam section on Wednesday.

Official sources said the baler, which was involved in routine maintenance of the section, derailed near Olakkur railway station around 7:00 pm. The derailment affected the operation of long-distance trains. including Puducherry-Bhubaneshwar Superfast Express and Madurai-Chennai Tejas Express.

Railway officials said trains would be allowed to continue only after the derailed engine was removed from the track. A team went to the place to carry out the repair. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Published – 20 May 2026 22:11 IST