The Kanchanjungha Express, which collided with a goods train resulting in the loss of at least nine lives and injuring over 25 people, arrived at Sealdah station in Kolkata early Tuesday morning following restoration efforts.
The incident took place in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district on Monday, claiming the lives of nine people and injuring more than 25 others. A passenger who was aboard the train during the accident recounted the harrowing experience with apprehension and concern. “I was in S7 when the accident happened. We are all very scared after this incident. Even my parents are worried,” she shared.
According to officials, a team of doctors, ambulances, food, and emergency beds had been set up at the station to assist passengers.”We have arranged more than 10 beds also,” stated Eastern Railway CPRO Kaushik Mitra. He indicated that preliminary findings suggested the goods train driver had exceeded the signal.
Sealdah Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Deepak Nigam mentioned that provisions had been made to assist passengers arriving by the express train.
“We have asked about the condition of the passengers from them. A doctor’s team and RPF team are also on the spot. We have ambulances also on standby, if needed, we will use them. Medical booths are also here to guide the passengers,” DRM Deepak Nigam said.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim spoke with passengers arriving by the train and criticised the central government for its lack of action regarding the accident. “Help desk has been set up. All the staff, the Minister and the secretary of the Transport department are here. All the injured are under treatment,” Mayor Hakim told ANI.
Mayor Hakim told ANI.
“This is bad that the Central government is not doing anything. They (the BJP-led Central government) are playing with the lives of the people, they wait for any incident to take place. Why are they not paying attention to this issue, why do they wait for the people to die? This is all because they (the BJP government) want to privatise the Railway,” he added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also slammed the central government for neglecting the Railways. “I started so many things, but they are only doing publicity of Vande Bharat trains. Where is Duronto Express? After the Rajdhani Express, Duronto was the fastest train. During the time of elections, they inaugurate Vande Bharats. This does not work. Today, the entire Railway Department is facing negligence and callousness of the government. They must take proper care,” speaking to reporters after visiting patients at North Bengal Medical College.
“What is happening in the railways today, no one knows…There are several issues in the Railways Ministry. Separate Railways budget has been stopped and this department is not getting enough importance now,” she added.
The Kanchanjungha Express operates between Silchar in Assam and Sealdah in Kolkata.