Mamata Banerjee Questions Safety Measures After Dibrugarh Express Derailment

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns over passenger safety following the Dibrugarh Express derailment in Uttar Pradesh, which resulted in two deaths and 31 injuries. She extended condolences to the affected families, while rescue operations are underway and high-level inquiries have been initiated.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday questioned the Central government regarding the safety of passengers after the Dibrugarh Express train derailed in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda. She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and expressed prayers for the injured.

Two people lost their lives and 31 others sustained injuries when the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh express derailed near Gonda station between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations under the jurisdiction of North Eastern Railway at around 2:37 PM on Thursday. 'Sad to know of another tragic rail accident today, at Gonda, UP! Another derailment of train, this time of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express!' Banerjee posted on X.

'What are the railway authorities doing? What is the Government of India doing? The safety and security of passengers are paramount. When will the Government come to their senses?' she further stated in her post. 'My condolences to the bereaved families, prayers for the injured,' she added.

Upon receiving news of the derailment, a medical team along with senior officials from the Lucknow division of North Eastern Railway quickly rushed to the accident site. Rescue operations commenced immediately, and authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the derailment while working to restore normal rail operations as swiftly as possible.

Pankaj Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway, told ANI, 'The medical van of Railways has reached the spot, and rescue operations have started. Helpline numbers have been issued. The helpline number in Lucknow is 8957409292, and the number in Gonda is 8957400965. It happened around 2:37 PM. According to initial information, 4-5 coaches derailed. Our priority is to carry out the relief and rescue work as quickly as possible.' The Relief Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh said on X that one National Disaster Response Force team from Lucknow and another from Balrampur were dispatched to Gonda.

'Five ambulances have been deployed for rescue operations in the train accident, and more ambulances are being sent to the spot. First aid is being provided to the injured, who are being shifted to the hospital. State Disaster Response Force teams from three districts have been mobilized to expedite relief operations,' the Relief Commissioner posted on X. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakhs to the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakhs for grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries sustained in the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment.

In addition to an inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, the Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level investigation into the rail derailment. 'Ex gratia of Rs 10 lakhs to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakhs for grievous injury, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries have been announced. Apart from the Commissioner of Railway Safety inquiry, a high-level inquiry has been ordered,' the Ministry of Railways stated.