June 17th 2024.
Kolkata is in a state of shock and sadness after a tragic train accident near Rangapani that claimed the lives of several people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was en route to Siliguri, spoke to the press at the Kolkata airport about the incident. She expressed her disappointment with the railways, claiming that it has become "totally parentless" and is only focused on increasing fares rather than improving passenger amenities.
Banerjee acknowledged the existence of the Railway Ministry but criticized its lack of action in improving the railways' functioning. She accused them of only focusing on beautification and neglecting important aspects such as passenger amenities, railway officers' well-being, and safety and security measures. Banerjee showed her support for railway employees and officers and assured them of her solidarity.
She also pointed out the Ministry's failure to implement the anti-collision system, which could have reduced the severity of the accident. Banerjee expressed her concern about the rising number of train accidents and stated that while accidents are unpredictable, the Ministry's negligence is not acceptable.
The Chief Minister also shared her frustration at not being able to secure a flight ticket from Kolkata to Siliguri, where she intended to travel earlier. She expressed her disgust at the state of flight conditions and revealed her plans to visit the North Bengal Medical College upon arrival in Siliguri.
Banerjee clarified that she would not be visiting the accident spot but would go straight to Coochbehar for some urgent work. She assured that she would return the following evening. The accident occurred when a goods train crashed into the Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express from behind near New Jalpaiguri station. Around 78 people were injured, and 20 of them are in critical condition.
The Chief Minister's words reveal her concern for the victims and their families. She hopes for swift action and changes in the railway system to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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