Order High Level Probe Into Rajdhani Accident

Date: 
Wednesday, September 11, 2002

Press Statement

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

CPI(M) Demands High Level Probe Into Rajdhani Train Accident

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its shock at the ghastly accident involving the Howrah-Delhi Rajdhani Express on 9th September on the bridge over Dhaba river near Rafiganj (Bihar) resulting in death of over 100 people so far. The Railway Minister himself has stated that the toll may be 150 when full details are available. The death toll is likely to be higher when all details are available.

It is surprising that even after 24 hours have passed, the rescue operations were not over and several passengers were trapped inside the coaches. The assertion of the Railway Board Chairman, I.I.M.S. Rana, that there were no lapses on the part of the Indian railways was made even before making necessary enquiry into the cause of the accident.

Judicial probes into earlier accidents have pointed out lack of adequate safety measures in Indian Railways. The recommendations made to such effect have been ignored. The enquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety will fail to satisfy the people given the nature of the accident and the widespread concern expressed throughout the country. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M), therefore, demands that a high level probe should be conducted to find out all relevant aspects of the cause of accident so that suitable steps can be taken to avert such accidents in future.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the families who lost their kith and kin in this accident.