Incident Overview

A portion of the roof of the Darjeeling loco shed collapsed on Wednesday morning following incessant rain, injuring at least seven people, including a contractual employee, according to reports from Free Press Journal and The Times of India. The injured were taken to Darjeeling District Hospital for medical attention.

The incident occurred around 8.50am, when four steam locomotives were inside the shed, as reported by The Times of India. The scale of the damage and the full impact on operations are still being assessed.

A Repeat of Recent Damage

This is the second time the historic shed has been damaged by severe weather. On June 21, torrential rain triggered a rockfall that damaged a portion of the shed, according to both Free Press Journal and The Times of India. The recurrence has raised concerns among employees about the condition of the facility.

Response and Cancellations

Railway authorities are assessing the situation and the condition of the shed. The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and other senior officials are on their way to Darjeeling to take stock of the situation and assess the extent of the damage, as reported by The Times of India. Senior railway officials were also reported by Free Press Journal to be taking stock of the incident.

The incident has led to the cancellation of joyride services. Free Press Journal reported that the 16 km joy ride was cancelled due to the incident. The Times of India, citing railway sources, reported that four 16-km joyride services have been cancelled so far.

Employee Demands

Workers at the shed have demanded immediate renovation and the implementation of safety measures to prevent further incidents, as reported by Free Press Journal. Employees have also pressed for immediate repair and restoration of the loco shed, stressing that the facility is essential for the operation and maintenance of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's steam locomotives. They have sought necessary safety measures before regular work resumes at the shed, according to The Times of India.