According to the senior North Frontier Railway (NFR) official, the accident between the Sealdah-bound 13174 Kanchenjunga Express and a Goods train on Monday morning claimed 9 lives and more than 46 critical injuries.
The incident took place in the vicinity of Rangapani, situated near the New Jalpaiguri station.
As the Kanchenjunga Express was on its way from Agartala to Sealdah, the accident happened at around nine in the morning. When the unfortunate collision with the goods train occurred, the train was traveling along its intended route, which resulted in the catastrophic outcomes.
The unaffected coaches of the Kanchenjunga Express finally reached Sealdah station in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
According to Eastern Railway official, at several stops along the way, including Malda town and Sealdah, the stranded passengers received basic amenities including food, water, and medical attention. The Eastern Railway representative reassured the passengers that these actions were done to lessen their suffering after they had to deal with the shock and trauma of the collision.
West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty, Divisional Railway Manager of Sealdah division Deepak Nigam, and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim were present at Sealdah station to make sure the passengers were safely dispersed and made their way home.
West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, strongly criticized the Central government for numerous issues with the railway infrastructure. She cited a number of issues, including the lack of anti-collision devices on trains, the rise in train fares, the poor quality of amenities for passengers, carelessness, and inappropriate treatment of railroad workers. Banerjee further stated that she disagreed with the choice to stop funding the railway. In contrast, the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave passenger safety and restoration efforts top priority when responding to the tragedy. “The Railways has become parent-less and has lost its beauty and glory,” Banerjee said, expressing her displeasure with the current status of the railways. “Passenger amenities have been reduced while polls are rigged,” she continued.
She additionally stated that there is no longer a budget specifically for the railroad, stating, “There is no Railway budget anymore.” Railways are visible during inaugurations. It’s evolved into a kind of fashion statement.” Banerjee further claimed that anti-collision devices were effectively introduced and placed in the Konkan Railways during her time as the Railway Minister.
Read more: https://thelocaljournalist.com/kanchenjunga-express-derailed-after-collision-with-goods-train/
