Chennai: At least 38 passengers of a Mangalore-bound express train were injured Friday after its five coaches derailed near Cuddalore district, about 200 kilometres from here.

Police and railway officials said that the mishap occurred around 2 a.m after five coaches of Chennai-Mangalore Express derailed at Puvanur in Vriddhachalam.

The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, official said, adding that the train services on the busy route were disrupted for sometimes.

However, trains were later operated on alternative route but they were running late, official added.

(Agencies)