STATE: Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha expressed his grave concern over the unfortunate train accident took place between Kanchanjungha Express and a Container Goods Train today i.e. 17 June 2024 at about 8.45 am between Rangapani and Chhatar Hat in Darjeeling District of West Bengal. Chief Minister issued direction for assistance to the affected passengers. Today Secretary of the State Government Dr. P.K. Chakravarty in a Press Conference at Civil Secretariat informed that 13174- Kanchanjungha Express passengers consists of total 23 coaches including 21 passenger coaches and 2 VP parcel coaches.
As per the preliminary information received, so far 5 persons have been died and about 30 persons injured. Preliminary information also reveals that there is none from State amongst the deceased persons. Dr. P. K. Chakravarty added that if any of the passenger from State died then his family will be assisted by the State Government up a sum of Rs. 2.0 Lakhs. Besides, the State Government will bear the expenditure of treatment for injured passengers of State.
Secretary also stated that on receipt of the information, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has been activated with helpline number 1070 and coordinating with the Railway Authorities for updated information. Besides there are landline numbers 0381-2416045 / 2416241. The Emergency Response Support System activated with number 112. These helpline numbers including the number of Railways have been publicized in the different media in the State and Social Media groups and through LED Screens for mass awareness. Immediately after receiving the information a team has been dispatched from Tripura Bhawan, Kolkata to the spot for taking necessary measures regarding treatment and allied relating to passengers of State. The State Government is in constant touch with the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of West Bengal and Disaster Management Authorities for coordination and support.
In the Press Conference U.K. Chakma, Secretary of Transport Department, Transport; Pradip Acharjee Addl Secretary Revenue Department; Subrata Choudhury, Addl secretary, Transport Department and State Project Officer of Disaster Management Sarat Das were also present.