Union Minister of Education and Skill Development, Dharmendra Pradhan, has emphasized the need to restore normalcy as soon as possible following the devastating triple train accident in Odisha. The incident, which claimed the lives of over 270 people and left more than 1,000 injured, has prompted the government to take strict action against those responsible.
Both Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the accident site in Balasore to oversee the ongoing restoration work. They expressed their commitment to expediting the restoration process and ensuring that necessary resources and assistance are provided to the affected individuals. Indian Railways has arranged free trains and logistic facilities to aid in the recovery efforts.
In an interview with ANI, Minister Pradhan stated, “It is our responsibility to establish normalcy as early as possible. Restoration work is underway. The death toll has crossed 270, and the inquiry into the cause of the accident is ongoing. We will take strict action against those found responsible for this tragedy.”
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shed light on the cause of the accident, attributing it to a change in electronic interlocking. The commissioner of railway safety has conducted an investigation and identified the individuals accountable for the incident. Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the focus is currently on the restoration process, with the goal of completing the work by Wednesday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the accident site to assess the situation and offer support. The government’s priority is to restore the damaged track, enabling trains to resume their operations promptly. Efforts have been made to remove all bodies from the site, and the restoration work is being carried out expeditiously.
The preliminary report on the tragic incident indicates that the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express, and a goods train were involved in the three-way collision at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. As a result, 17 coaches of the passenger trains derailed and sustained severe damage.
The authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and ensure accountability. Meanwhile, the focus remains on providing support to the affected individuals and restoring the railway infrastructure to enable safe and efficient train services in the region once again.