Modi govt systematically jeopardised rail safety, PM must own responsibility of massive lapses that have plagued IR: Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday slammed the government over the derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarg Express in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility of the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways.

He also demanded that the Kavach anti-collision system should be installed expeditiously on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents.
His remarks came after at least two people died and seven other injured after six coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed Thursday afternoon in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh.

Even as relief and rescue operations were underway, the Railways has initiated high-level inquiry into the accident, officials said
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha hitting out at the government said, “The derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in UP, is yet another instance of how Modi government has systematically jeopardised Rail safety.”

He said, “Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured.”
Pointing out fingers on the previous rail accident, the Congress chief said, “A month ago, 11 people lost their lives when a goods train collided with the Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express.”

He also pointed out that the Commissioner of Railway safety has said that the accident was “waiting to happen”.
Taking a jibe at the government, Kharge then said that failure of automatic signal, lapses at multiple levels in managing operations, and non-availability of critical safety equipment such as walkie-talkie with the loco pilot and train manager are some of the reasons cited for collision in the probe report.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Railway Minister, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility of the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways,” he alleged.

Putting forth the party’s demand, Kharge said that our single demand — the Kavach anti-collision system should be installed expeditiously on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents.