PICTURES: Coaches of Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express Derails

The railways have issued helpline numbers: 1072, 9454403738, 9454401463, 9454401075, 9454400384 and 0512-23333111/112/113. It has diverted and cancelled a number of trains. Efforts are on to resume the operations in the line, the statement said. The passengers were brought to the Kanpur Central railway station, from where they left for New Delhi in a special train at 5.45 am, it added.

The district magistrate, senior superintendent of police and other senior officials reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation, the officials said.