Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Central Government After Mysuru-Darbhanga Train Collision
Mumbai, 12th October 2024: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has criticized the central government following a collision between the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train and a stationary goods train on Friday evening at the Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadu, near Chennai.
He drew comparisons to the devastating Balasore accident, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 passengers, asserting that the government has failed to learn from previous tragedies.
“The Mysuru-Darbhanga train incident is reminiscent of the tragic Balasore accident, where a passenger train crashed into a stationary goods train. Despite the loss of many lives in various accidents, the lessons remain unlearned. Accountability must begin at the highest levels. How many more families must suffer before this government takes action?” Gandhi stated.
At least 19 individuals sustained injuries in the recent collision.
Efforts to restore services are ongoing, with work continuing through Saturday to get trains back on track. Drone footage showed damaged coaches strewn across the site, with onlookers gathered nearby.
Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, confirmed that relief operations are in progress and no fatalities have been reported.
“There have been no casualties from the train accident. Twenty-two ambulances were dispatched immediately after we received news of the collision. We’ve arranged for the passengers’ accommodation in three marriage halls and are providing essential supplies,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He also mentioned that measures are being taken to assist passengers in reaching their destinations and urged the central government to take proactive steps to prevent the recurring issue of rail accidents.
