Hemant Soren Criticizes Railway Infrastructure Amid Train Accidents

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren criticized the Central Government, highlighting the deteriorating condition of railway infrastructure amid rising train accidents. His comments followed a derailment in Jharkhand that resulted in fatalities and injuries. Soren announced financial aid for the affected families and promised cooperation with railways for relief measures.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday criticized the Centre for the increasing number of train accidents, alleging that the railway infrastructure was on the verge of collapse.

Exposing the ground reality, Soren highlighted the dismal infrastructure of the railways despite the ministry's towering claims.

'The rising number of train accidents in the country is a matter of concern,' Soren said, emphasizing that railways are the lifeline for common citizens. He added, 'But its infrastructure seems to have broken and is on the verge of collapse.'

His comments came hours after the derailment of 18 coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharsawan district, resulting in two fatalities and 22 injuries.

The chief minister announced Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, pledging the state's cooperation with the railways for relief efforts.

The Howrah-Mumbai Mail accident occurred at 3:45 AM in Potobeda village near Barabamboo station. South Eastern Railway spokesperson Om Prakash Charan reported another derailment of a goods train nearby.

(With inputs from agencies.)