New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will on Friday morning visit the spot where 12 coaches of the Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.
At least five people were killed and 45 others injured, PTI reported. The accident occurred around 5 pm on Thursday between Domohani and New Maynaguri.
“I am reaching the site tomorrow morning. Medical teams, senior officers at the spot. PM Modi also took stock of the situation and rescue operation. Our focus is on rescue. Ex-gratia also announced,” Vaishnaw tweeted on Thursday night.
“I’ve spoken with PM Modi and apprised him about the rescue operations. I’m personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations,” the minister said in another tweet.
The government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries.
Enhanced amount of ex-gratia compensation to the victims of this unfortunate accident:
Rs. 5 Lakh in case of death,
Rs. 1 Lakh towards grievous and
Rs. 25,000 for minor injuries.— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 13, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review the COVID-19 situation when he was informed about the accident. He enquired about it with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also spoke to the Union Railway Minister and Banerjee.
A high-level Commissioner Railway Safety inquiry has been ordered into the accident.
