Odisha Train Accident: PM Modi Vows Severe Punishment for Responsible Parties

Balasore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the train accident site in Balasore, Odisha, expressing his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. At least 261 people lost their lives and 900 were injured in the deadliest rail accident in over a decade.

Accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi inspected the site and met with the injured at hospitals in Cuttack.

Arriving via an Air Force chopper near Bahanaga Bazar Station, the Prime Minister emphasized that those responsible for the accident would face severe punishment. He assured the affected families of the government’s support and directed officials to provide necessary assistance to the injured. PM Modi also stressed the importance of minimizing inconvenience for the bereaved families and ensuring ongoing support for those affected.

Earlier, PM Modi held a meeting to review the situation related to the accident. The collision involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also visited the accident site and hospitals to assess the situation and meet with the injured.

The rescue operation has been completed, and restoration work has commenced after the tragic incident. The Railways Ministry has initiated a high-level investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

In response to the tragedy, the ministry announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured. Additionally, PM Modi announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).