Minister of Railway visits derailment site, assures to take measures to prevent recurrence in future

Jan. 14: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, today reached New Domohani station at 09-38 hours and immediately proceeded towards the site through motor trolley, he himself inspected the condition of track and fittings to get first hand information of the track. Minister also inspected the under gear of engine no 22375 of the derailed train. The Minister said that it is a tragic incident and expressed his deep condolence towards the families of the deceased and prayed for a speedy recovery of the injured.

The Minister said that a high level enquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety has been ordered to find out the root cause. All precautions and necessary actions will be taken so that such incidents do not reoccur. The Minister said that the Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation and he is in touch with the Prime Minister.

Railway Minister also visited hospitals and talked to admitted passengers. Minister has also instructed to provide best possible healthcare facilities to all admitted passengers. Railway has already paid ex-gratia payment at the shortest possible time, within hours of the accident. There are thirty six (36) injured passengers who are undergoing treatment at different hospitals (23 at Super Specialty Hospital, Jalpaiguri, 6 at North Bengal Medical College and 7 at Maynaguri Rural Hospital) and all of them have been immediately paid the payment of ex-gratia amount.

For payment of ex-gratia amount to the deceased, railway authority is trying to get in touch with their family members for identification. After completion of the rescue operation, stranded passengers were sent to Guwahati by a special train. The special train reached at Guwahati railway station at 07-55 hours. One hundred Fifty-six (156) passengers de-boarded at Guwahati station and 23 passengers de-boarded at Kamakhya station.

Passengers expressed their gratitude for quick rescue and alternative arrangement by railway authority. Passengers were satisfied that all necessary measures were taken to bring them to Guwahati by special train and also for arranging food for all. Restoration work is being done on war footing for normalization of train movement under the supervision of Anshul Gupta, General Manager of N. F. Railway. Some of the derailed coaches have already been re-railed.