In a tragic incident, two trains collided in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, October 29. The collision involved the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train, resulting in a derailment between the towns of Alamanda and Kantakapalle in Andhra Pradesh. Officials have reported that the accident occurred when one of the passenger trains overshot a signal.
Key Updates:
- The death toll in the Andhra train collision has reached 14 as rescue operations continue in Vizianagaram district.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PM’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased individual and ₹50,000 for the injured in the Andhra Pradesh train accident.
- Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned the government’s railway safety measures, pointing out that despite their claims of innovation and improvements, two rail collisions have occurred within just five months, one in Balasore and one in Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned a derailment in Buxar, Bihar, that claimed lives.
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to establish a high-level audit committee to thoroughly examine all aspects of railway safety, not only on this particular line but on all railway lines across the country.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of ensuring the safety of railway operations and the need for continuous evaluation and improvements in railway infrastructure and safety protocols.
Please stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation
