Train Accident: Govt Tells Airlines To Monitor Airfare On Odisha Route, Allow Free Cancellation, Rescheduling

Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports of Odisha in view of the Odisha Train Tragedy.

In the wake of the Odisha train tragedy, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has asked airlines to monitor airfares to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports in Odisha, reported news agency ANI. The MoCA has also said that passengers can cancel or reschedule their flights without penalty due to the incident.

The MoCA's advisory comes after reports of airlines increasing airfares to Odisha in the wake of the tragedy. 

The death toll in the Odisha train tragedy has risen to 288 while 747 people have been injured along with 56 in grievous condition, said the Indian Railways in a statement released a 2 pm on Saturday.

"In view of the unfortunate accident in Odisha, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has advised all airlines to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports of the State and take necessary action regarding the same. Further, any cancellation and rescheduling on flights due to the incident may be done without penal charges," the MoCA advisory said. 

Yesterday, the Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a tweet expressed his condolences for the tragedy.

"Distressing news has been received of the Coromandel Express train accident near Balasore district of Odisha. I pray to God to keep all the passengers safe and give speedy recovery to the injured," he said in a Tweet. 

Following the Coromandel Express accident which is suspected to have occurred due to the absence of 'Kavach' anti-collission system on the route, railways initiated a high-level probe into the incident which will be headed by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, South Eastern Circle.

Indian Railways spokesperson while talking to news agency PTI said, "AM Chowdhary, CRS, SE Circle, will inquire into the accident."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Odisha's Balasore where the triple train accident occurred, and took stock of the situation. He also visited a hospital and met with the injured victims. The PM said those found guilty in the matter will be punished stringently.