• Source:JND
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A train derailed in Tamil Nadu's Ranipet district reportedly due to damaged tracks in the late hours of Friday, leading to chaos among the passengers. The Arakkonam-Katpadi MEMU passenger train (66057) derailed at Chitteri railway station after the loco pilot reportedly lowered the speed after listening to an unusual loud sound. However, the officials assured that none of the passengers got injured due to the derailment, adding that the train derailed shortly after it departed from the Chitteri station. Apart from this, the eyewitnesses emphasised that a loud sound was heard before the loco pilot immediately stopped the train, reported Jagran.Com. 

A senior police officer present at the site confirmed that no one was injured or harmed in the incident. He further stated that the loco pilot had stopped the train within seconds after listening the noise. Southern Railway has not issued any official statement regarding the extent of disruption to train services or the estimated time of full restoration.

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The officials stated that repair work is ongoing following the incident and railway staff and emergency teams are on the spot to clear the tracks. They further stated that the administration is assessing the structural damage. Earlier in 2011, two trains collided near Chitteri, killing 11 people and injuring over 70.

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In a separate news, Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna on Friday said train fares will be raised in stages without affecting the commuters. Hinting that there may be a gradual hike in fares, the minister said, "Discussion is going on and we are proceeding stage by stage."
Somanna was responding to a question from a reporter on the possible additional fare increase following the July 1 increase in AC class railway fares.