Lagatar24 Desk
Gonda, Uttar Pradesh: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has fiercely criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the tragic derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express on Thursday. Kharge held Modi accountable for what he described as “massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways,” and called for urgent action to enhance rail safety.
The accident, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to dozens more, occurred near Gonda in Uttar Pradesh. Kharge accused the Modi government of neglecting rail safety in favor of self-promotion. “The derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express is yet another instance of how the Modi government has systematically jeopardized rail safety. Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured,” Kharge stated on social media platform X.
Kharge highlighted a recent incident where 11 people died after a goods train collided with the Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express. He cited a report by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, which described the accident as “waiting to happen” due to the failure of automatic signals, operational lapses, and the lack of critical safety equipment like walkie-talkies for train staff.
The Congress leader demanded the immediate installation of the Kavach anti-collision system on all railway routes across India. “PM Narendra Modi and his Railway Minister, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility for the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways. Our single demand is the expeditious installation of the Kavach anti-collision system on all routes to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents,” Kharge asserted.
In response to the derailment, the Uttar Pradesh administration deployed two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams for rescue and relief operations. Senior railway and state government officials have also reached the site to oversee the situation. The Railway Board has issued helpline numbers for affected passengers and their families: Commercial Control: 9957555984, Furkating (FKG): 9957555966, Mariani (MXN): 6001882410, Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798, Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959, and Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960.
