Mamata Banerjee Presses for Answers in the Aftermath of Odisha Train Incident

Cuttack: In the wake of a tragic train incident in Odisha, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, paid a visit to the injured passengers of the ill-fated Coromandel Express in Cuttack, who are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. The TMC supremo also expressed her condolences to the victims of the triple train accident. During her interaction with the media, Banerjee mentioned that the governments of Odisha and West Bengal are working closely together to extend support to the affected individuals. As per her information, the bodies of 103 individuals from West Bengal have been identified, while 97 people are currently undergoing treatment and 31 remain missing.

Banerjee, who previously served as Railway Minister in 1999 and 2009, stated that comprehensive efforts are being made to assist the injured passengers. Immediately after the accident on June 2, teams comprising doctors, nurses, and officers were dispatched to provide medical care. The Chief Minister highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two state governments, emphasizing the provision of free treatment to the affected individuals. She expressed her anguish at the magnitude of the tragedy, with victims suffering from severe injuries, including loss of limbs and eyes.

Banerjee stressed the importance of uncovering the truth behind the incident, considering the significant loss of life. To support the affected families, she announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for those critically injured. Additionally, a sum of Rs 10,000 will be provided to approximately 900 individuals who experienced mental and physical distress during the train journey.

It is worth noting that Mamata Banerjee’s tenure as Railway Minister occurred in two separate periods: first in 1999 under the BJP-led NDA government, and later in 2009 under the UPA-II government.