Railway Minister orders probe into Odisha train mishap

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 29:

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today ordered for an immediate probe into the train mishap at Kathajodi passenger halt near Odisha’s Cuttack railway station which claimed at least two lives.

“Ordered immediate probe into the accident of Bhubaneshwar-Bhadrak train,negligence will be punished severely. Ordered GMs, senior officials to rush to the site immediately. I am constantly monitoring the situation. Immediate medical relief being provided.Ordered payment of ex gratia compensation to injured and dead,” Suresh Prabhu tweeted.

Notably, the Bhubaneswar-Bhadrak passenger train (78408) hit the goods train (BCN-DANKUNI) from rear. Following the accident which claimed at least two lives and injured 27 passengers, movement of several trains have been affected.

While several trains have been stopped at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Mancheswar and Barang stations, several trains have been routed via Naraj. The trains from Howrah also have been diverted via Naraj.

As per railway sources, Puri-Talcher (58414) passenger, Puri-Durg Express, Chennai-Howrah mail and Puri-Sealdah Duronto Express train has been diverted via Naraj. On the other hand, Bhubaneswar-Balugaon Passenger has been cancelled.

Similarly, Kharagpur-Villipuram Super Fast was stopped at Cuttack, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express at Nirgundi, Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express at Kapilas Road, Barbil-Puri Express at Kendrapara Road and Howrah-Chennai Coromandel Express train at Jajpur station.

Meanwhile, Railways have started helpline numbers for inquiry. Helpline numbers are: 0674 2490670, 2301525, and 9437579238.