A police official told reporters that the engine of the freight train was damaged and three coaches of the express train derailed.
A rescue official told Times of India:, Out They avoided using gas cutters during relief efforts because it could endanger the lives of people trapped on the train.
He also said relief efforts have slowed due to heavy rains in the region.
Federal Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the relief team worked closely with railway officials to carry out the rescue operation.
The minister was scheduled to arrive at the scene of the accident soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “sad” and said he had spoken to officials about rescue efforts.
He told X, “I offer my condolences to those who have lost loved ones. “I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote.
He announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,394, 1,890 pounds) to the families of the dead and 50,000 rupees for each injured passenger.
Mr. Vaishnaw later announced compensation of 1 million rupees for the deceased, 250,000 rupees for serious injuries and 50,000 rupees for minor injuries.
The railways has set up a control desk with a helpline number at the nearby Rangapani station where the crash occurred.
