Derailment of Rajdhani Express

Date: 
Tuesday, September 10, 2002

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep shock at the serious railway accident involving the New Delhi bound Howrah Rajdhani Express near Rafiganj railway station in Bihar. Around 120 people are feared dead and more than 250 have been injured, according to initial reports, as many bogies derailed.

The immediate task is to organise relief work and treat the injured. The exact cause of the accident has to be ascertained through a proper enquiry. However, it must be pointed out that accidents with heavy loss of lives of passengers has become a frequent occurrence. This is unacceptable. The Central government and the Railway Minister have been callous in ensuring safety on the railways. The railways are starved off funds in this regard.

The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their relatives in this tragedy.