New Delhi, July 18 : 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 ChandigarhDibrugarh 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.(ANI)
