“Passenger safety must be top priority, regardless of govt”: Sachin Pilot on train accident

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], July 30 (ANI): Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday spoke on the train accident in Jharkhand and emphasized that regardless of which government is in power, passenger safety must always be the top priority.

Two people were killed after several coaches of the Howrah-CSMT Express derailed near Chakradharpur in Jharkhand earlier today.

Speaking with the reporters, Pilot said, “While I believe that no matter who is in power, the safety of the citizens should be the first priority, especially in public transport. In the last few months, there have been incidents where it could have been avoided.”

He further said that the government should prioritise the security of railways. “Now whether there is technical failure, negligence, or infrastructural weaknesses, the government within time should work on giving priority to the resources and security of railways… Safety of life and property of passengers is mandatory.”

Meanwhile, Restoration work underway following the derailment of Howrah-CSMT Mumbai Mail in Chakradharpur division.

Earlier in the day, Senior DCM Chakradharpur Railway Division, Aditya Kumar Chaudhary has informed that all the passengers have been evacuated and have been shifted to Chakradharpur by special trains and buses.

He further said that two people have died and five injured are being treated at railway hospital.

He added that the rescue operation is complete and restoration is going on. “Train no 12810 Howrah-Mumbai got derailed…All the passengers have been evacuated and have been shifted to Chakradharpur by special trains and buses. The special train will run from Chakradharpur to Mumbai as per the detailed timings. Two people have died and five injured are being treated at railway hospital…Rescue operation is completed and restoration is going on,” Chaudhary told ANI.

The accident took place around 3:45 am, after which Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME), with staff and Additional Divisional Railway Managers CKP (Chakradharpur Railway Station), reached on-site to manage the situation.