Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident: Families Of Deceased To Get Rs 2 Lakh Ex Gratia From Centre

PM Modi expressed his sorrow over the Kanchanjunga Express train accident in West Bengal's Darjeeling.

Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed his sorrow over the Kanchanjunga Express train accident in West Bengal's Darjeeling. He further said that he spoke to officials and took stock of the situation.

The Prime Minister took to X and said, "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."

PM Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. The people who sustained injuries in the mishap will get Rs 50,000. 

The Kanchanjunga Express suffered a massive accident on Monday when it was hit by a goods train from behind. Initial reports indicated that the goods train ran through a signal near Phansidewa, Jalpaiguri. According to an official, the death toll in the train accident has risen to 15, while 60 people have sustained injuries, as reported by PTI. 

Two coaches of the Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express were derailed as a result of the collision. One of the coaches was sent flying in the air and then landed on the roof of the goods train. Several bogies of the goods train were also derailed. Police, SDRF, and NDRF have taken over the rescue operation. RPF is also at the site. The engine of the goods train will need to be freed with a gas cutter.

Enhanced Ex-Gratia Compensation Will Be Provided To Victims: Railway Min

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who will reach Darjeeling later today to take stock of the situation at the accident site, said that victims will be given an enhanced ex gratia compensation. "Enhanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims; ₹10 Lakh in case of death, ₹2.5 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries," Vaishnaw said in a post on X. 

Meanwhile, Railway officials are monitoring the situation at the accident site. Teams of NDRF and Police are present at the spot to carry out rescue operations.