PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review train accident in Odisha

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narender Modi led a high-level meeting following the “tragic” train accident in Balasore, Odisha.

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, and other officials to assess the situation in light of the “train mishap” in Odisha.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed various aspects concerning rescue, relief, and medical attention for the affected individuals, as stated in a tweet by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Subsequently, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the train accident site in Odisha and the Cuttack hospital, where the injured are receiving treatment.

The crash, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train, has claimed the lives of 261 people, with over 900 others injured.

Previously, PM Modi expressed his sorrow regarding the accident and announced additional financial assistance from the PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). A sum of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased as ex-gratia, while Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured.

“In deep anguish over the train accident in Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. I spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw to assess the situation. Rescue operations are ongoing at the accident site, and we are extending all possible assistance to those affected,” he tweeted.