AP train tragedy: Opposition leaders flay Centre over recurring accidents

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the Modi government on Monday (October 30) over the train derailment in Andhra Pradesh, saying the enthusiasm shown in flagging off trains with fanfare should also be exhibited in ensuring railway safety and the well-being of crores of daily passengers.

At least 13 people were killed and 50 injured after two trains collided on the Howrah-Chennai line in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday evening (October 29), officials said.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "Extremely saddened to learn about the train derailment tragedy in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, where precious lives have been lost and several people have suffered injuries. Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

“It seems that all the claims of safety by the Union government post the Balasore train tragedy have evaporated in thin air,” he said. Kharge requested Congress workers to provide every possible help.

Kharge requested Congress workers to provide every possible help.

In a post on Facebook, Rahul Gandhi said he was anguished by the news of several deaths and injuries in the train accident in Vizianagaram.

"I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of all those who are injured," he said.

He urged Congress workers of the region to provide all possible assistance to the administration in relief and rescue work.

'Enhance safety measures'

Flagging train accidents in “quick succession”, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the Centre to enhance safety measures.

Stalin said on X, "With a significant number of Indians relying on railways for their commute, it's alarming to witness such incidents in quick succession. It's imperative for the union government and the railways to urgently reevaluate and enhance train safety measures, ensuring the trust and safety of passengers is upheld."

He expressed grief over the train accident in Andhra Pradesh and said it occurred “just months after” the tragic Balasore train accident in June 2023.

"My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured."

Call for immediate probe

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for an immediate inquiry into the train derailment in Andhra Pradesh, contending that such rail accidents have become an “unfortunate and repetitive trope”.

"Another disastrous rail collision, this time in Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, involving two passenger trains, and causing until now at least 8 deaths and injury of at least 25 more," Banerjee said on X late on Sunday (October 29).

"Frontal collisions between trains, derailment of compartments, helpless passengers trapped in coaches and succumbing to fate: this is becoming a most unfortunate repetitive trope!! Solidarity to the kin of victims, demand for most expeditious rescue actions and inquiry forthwith! When will the railways come out of the slumber?" she said.

Several trains have either been cancelled, diverted, or rescheduled by the East Coast Railway and South Central Railway following the incident.

(With agency inputs)