Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, visited the site of the tragic Kanchenjunga Express train accident in Darjeeling district today, where he assessed the aftermath and met with officials to understand the circumstances leading to the incident.
The Kanchenjunga Express, traveling from Siliguri to Sealdah, derailed near Darjeeling earlier this morning, resulting in several injuries and causing disruption to rail services in the region. Upon arrival at the accident site, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the damaged train cars and discussed rescue and relief operations with railway personnel and local authorities.
Expressing concern for those affected by the accident, Minister Vaishnaw proceeded to visit the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, where many of the injured passengers were receiving medical treatment. He met with doctors, nursing staff, and patients, offering assurances of support and necessary assistance from the Ministry of Railways.
During his interactions with survivors and their families, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of railway passengers. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the derailment and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. Our priority right now is to ensure the best possible care for the injured and to restore normalcy in rail services,” stated Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Local authorities and emergency services have been working tirelessly since the accident to provide medical aid and logistical support to those affected. The Ministry of Railways has also mobilized additional resources to assist in the rescue and relief efforts, including personnel trained in disaster management and rehabilitation.
As investigations into the derailment continue, the railway authorities have implemented measures to reroute and manage train services in the region to minimize disruptions for passengers traveling along the affected route.
The Kanchenjunga Express derailment underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and efficiency of India’s vast railway network, prompting renewed calls for enhanced infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to the accident site and the hospital reflects the government’s proactive response to emergencies, aiming to provide swift assistance and support to those impacted by such incidents.