Railway ministry announces inquiry

The Railway Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the Bangalore-Nanded Express train accident at a manned level crossing in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh.Commissioner for Railway Safety, Southern Zone, will conduct the inquiry.

The ministry, however, underlined the need for increasing the safety fund to eliminate level crossings.

There are over 29,000 level crossings across the country. The number of unmanned level crossings is over 10,000 and they are the main trouble spots. Last year, there were 48 accidents at unmanned level crossings and six at manned crossings.

“The ministry has been demanding a Special Railway Safety Fund to eliminate level crossings. We need at least Rs 10,000 crore in two years’ time to eliminate level crossings, which are generally accident-prone,” said railway spokesperson Anil Saxena. “Every year, we get Rs 1,100 crore on an average for eliminating level crossings. This amount cannot meet the requirement,” he said.

PM condoles deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in Bangalore City-Nanded Express train accident.

“My thoughts are with the families of all those who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident of the Bangalore City-Nanded Express train. My condolences to the family of Karnataka MLA Venkatesh Nayak. He will be remembered for his service to society,” Modi said.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted: “Negligence of the lorry driver, ignoring rules of passing while the level crossing gate is closed causes havoc, loss of lives, impacts train running. Very unfortunate! We as ordinary Indians, have to be sincere, while driving through railway crossings.”