Odisha train accident: PM Modi chairs high-level review meeting, to visit accident site today
1 min read 03 Jun 2023, 12:02 PM ISTPM Modi will later visit the site of the train accident in Odisha and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated.
PremiumPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in relation to the tragic train accident in Odisha.
He will later visit the site of the train accident in Odisha and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated.
At least 238 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday.
Speaking to ANI, the Executive Director, Information Publication Railway Board Amitabh Sharma said, "The rescue operation has been completed, now we are starting the restoration work. 238 people have died and more than 600 are injured. Kawach was not available on this route".
He said that so far more than 100 people have claimed ex-gratia payments. He also said that several trains have been cancelled and diverted in wake of the incident.
"As of now, more than 100 people have claimed ex-gratia payments. Counters for the same have been set up at three places-Balasore, Soro and Bahanaga Bazar," he said.
Amitabh Sharma added, "As of now 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted and 10 short-terminated."
A total of nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) Units and 24 Fire Services and Emergency Units engaged in rescue operations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17 helicopters for the evacuation of the deceased and injured.
According to the Eastern Command, IAF is coordinating the rescue efforts with the civil administration and Indian Railways.
Earlier in the day, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation.
"A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry," Vaishnaw said on Saturday.
He added, "Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration".
