West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to Visit New Jalpaiguri Train Accident Site
National Desk, 17th June: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to visit the site of the tragic train accident in New Jalpaiguri on June 17, where a collision between a goods train and the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express resulted in the deaths of eight passengers, according to media reports.
The accident occurred around 9 am near Rangapani, close to New Jalpaiguri station, while the Kanchanjungha Express was en route from Agartala to Sealdah. The collision caused significant casualties and injuries.
In response to the disaster, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is also traveling to Darjeeling to assess the situation. He has announced increased ex-gratia compensation for the victims: Rs 10 lakh for each death, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased individual and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
The tragic event has prompted swift relief and rescue operations, with injured passengers being transported to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.
Read More: Union Minister Increases Compensation for New Jalpaiguri Train Accident Victims