NATIONAL: In a distressing railway mishap, the 13174 down Agartala – Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express, which departed from Agartala on June 16, was rear-ended by a container-laden goods train. The collision occurred between Rangapani and Chatterhat stations, within the Katihar division of N.F. Railway, approximately 10 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri station. The incident took place at around 08:55 hrs this morning, causing significant disruption and concern.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X(Twitter) to expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. In his post, PM Narendra Modi lauded, “The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well”.
In a significant disruption to railway services, several trains were cancelled following a collision involving the Kanchanjungha Express in the Phansidewa region of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The incident, which occurred under yet-to-be-disclosed circumstances, prompted immediate action from railway authorities to halt scheduled services, underscoring the safety protocols in place for unforeseen events. The cancellation of several trains highlights the extensive impact such accidents can have on regional transportation networks.
In a compassionate move to support the victims, Central Government have announced an enhanced ex-gratia compensation scheme. Families of those who have tragically lost their lives will receive Rs 10 Lakh each, while individuals suffering from grievous injuries will be entitled to Rs 2.5 Lakh each . Additionally, a sum of Rs 50,000 will be allocated for those who have sustained minor injuries, ensuring that all affected parties receive some form of financial aid during these challenging times.
In the wake of the tragic incident of the Kanchanjungha Express in West Bengal, authorities have swiftly established helpline numbers for those seeking assistance and information.