Odisha Train Tragedy: Ashwini Vaishnaw Pledges Rs 2 Crore for Bahanaga Area’s Development

Balasore: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, following his inspection of the restoration efforts at Bahanaga Bazar station, where a tragic accident involving three trains claimed the lives of 292 individuals earlier this month, announced financial assistance of Rs 2 crore for the area’s development. On Tuesday, the minister allocated Rs 1 crore from the MP fund for the progress of the Bahanaga region, while another Rs 1 crore was approved from the Railways fund specifically for the enhancement of the Bahanaga hospital.

During his visit, Vaishnaw engaged with the local community to ascertain their needs and express gratitude for their actions during the devastating triple train tragedy. “I have come to Bahanaga Bazar and interacted with the locals about what all development works can be done here. I also thanked them for the way they acted during the horrific triple train tragedy,” stated the Union Minister. “We have allocated Rs 2 crore for the development work of the village and hospital here,” he further added.

Regarding the ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the triple train accident, Vaishnaw confirmed, “An independent investigation is underway in connection with the incident.”

The incident itself occurred on June 2, when the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, carrying more than 2,500 passengers, and a goods train loaded with iron ore collided at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore. The accident resulted in the loss of 292 lives and severe damage to 21 coaches, trapping hundreds of passengers.