Govt Urges Airlines to Prevent Abnormal Surge in Fares Amid Odisha Train Tragedy

New Delhi: In response to the devastating train accident in Odisha, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued guidelines to airlines regarding fares for flights to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports in the state. The ministry has urged airlines to monitor and prevent any abnormal surge in airfares.

Additionally, passengers will not be subjected to extra charges for flight cancellations and rescheduling. Airlines have also been instructed to extend their full support in repatriating the remains of the deceased back to their respective states.

The incident occurred in Balasore and involved three trains: the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Kolkata-Chennai Coromandel Express, and a goods train. Currently, restoration work is underway at the accident site as authorities move the affected train compartments away from the tracks.

Prime Minister Modi visited the accident site in Balasore and the Fakir Mohan hospital, where he met with the injured passengers. Accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had previously visited the site, PM Modi expressed his condolences and described the incident as tragic.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the state government, and the Indian Army are actively engaged in rescue operations at the scene.