New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre over the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh, saying that it shows how rail safety has been compromised under the Modi government.
Two persons died and 20 sustained injuries after 4-5 coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Jhilahi Railway Station in Gonda, CPRO North Eastern Railway Pankaj Singh said.
"Our single demand -- The Kavach anti-collision system should be installed expeditiously on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents," he said in a post on X.
"The derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in UP, is yet another instance of how Modi Govt has systematically jeopardised Rail safety. Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured," Kharge said in a post on X.
"A month ago, 11 people lost their lives when a goods train collided with the Sealdah-Agartala Kanchanjunga Express. The Commissioner of Railway safety has said that the accident was "waiting to happen" ! Failure of automatic signal, lapses at multiple levels in managing operations, and non-availability of critical safety equipment such as walkie-talkie with the loco pilot and train manager are some of the reasons cited for collision in the probe report," he added in the post.
"PM @narendramodi and his Railway Minister, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility of the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways," he further added in the post.
CPRO North Eastern Railway Pankaj Singh, giving details about the incident, told ANI, "One death has been reported and there are 7 injured, including one severely injured."
He further said, "The medical van of Railways has reached the spot, and rescue operations have started. Helpline numbers have been issued. The helpline number established in Lucknow is - 8957409292 and the helpline number in Gonda is - 8957400965. It happened around 2.37 pm. As per initial info, 4-5 coaches derailed. Our priority is that the relief and rescue work be done as quickly as possible."
Uttar Pradesh's Relief Commissioner informed on X that one NDRF team each was sent from Lucknow and Balrampur to Gonda.
"Five ambulances were deployed for rescue operations in the train accident and orders have been given to send more ambulances to the spot. First aid is being given to the injured. The injured are being shifted to the hospital. SDRF teams sent from three districts to expedite relief operations," it said on X.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite the relief work.
CM Yogi has directed the officials of the district administration for their proper treatment. Along with this, he has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
This comes after several cases of train derailment have been reported from several parts of the country.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma was also briefed about the accident.
The Chief Minister's office said on X, "HCM Himanta Biswa has been briefed about the derailment of Dibrugarh - Chandigarh express in Uttar Pradesh. HCM is monitoring the situation and the Government of Assam is in touch with relevant authorities."
—ANI
