Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Narendra Modi government’s track record on railway safety, attributing the increase in railway accidents over the past decade to “mismanagement and negligence.”

He said, “Today’s accident is another example of this reality – as a responsible opposition, we will continue to question this blatant negligence and hold the Modi government accountable for these accidents.”

Rahul Gandhi also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the recent train accident that occurred in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.

He posted on X, “The news of the death of many people due to the accident of Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

A cargo train collided with a passenger train in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, leading to at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Among the deceased were the pilot and co-pilot of the cargo train, according to a senior railway official.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with multiple agencies collaborating to rescue any passengers who may still be trapped in the wreckage.

Initial reports indicate the goods train might have missed a signal before hitting the stationary passenger train. Officials are yet to confirm if signaling issues played a role. The Kanchanjunga Express connects West Bengal with northeast cities, favored by tourists heading to the cool Darjeeling hill station, especially during hot Indian summers.

The Kanchanjunga Express Accident has disrupted long-distance train services from North Bengal and the northeastern regions of the country. This incident comes after another devastating train crash last year in eastern India that claimed over 280 lives, making it one of the deadliest railway accidents in the country in recent decades.