Railways to hold inquiry into Kanchenjunga train accident in West Bengal on June 19
Times of India | 18 June 2024
NEW DELHI: The chief commissioner of Railway Safety, Northeast Frontier Railway, Janak Kumar Garg, will conduct a statutory inquiry into the Kanchenjunga Express tragedy that claimed eight lives and injured 25 people.
The inquiry will commence on June 19 at 10 am in the ADRM/NJP's chamber and may be extended if necessary.
"Members of the public having knowledge relating to the incident and any other matter connected therewith may appear and tender evidence at the inquiry on the dates mentioned or write to the chief commissioner of railway safety," the official communication stated.
Following the accident on June 17, several trains were cancelled or diverted. However, train services have resumed from the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district, where the incident occurred. Surendra Kumar, divisional railway manager (DRM), Katihar Northeast Frontier Railway, mentioned that restoration work has been ongoing since the night of the accident, and the line beside the accident site will be restored within half an hour.
The Kanchanjungha Express arrived at its destination station, Sealdah in Kolkata, in the early hours after the completion of restoration work. The accident occurred when a goods train allegedly disregarded a signal and collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express near North Bengal's Jalpaiguri station at 8.55 am on Monday.
A passenger who was on the train during the accident expressed fear and concern as she recalled the tragic incident.
"I was in S7 when this accident took place. We are very afraid after this accident. My parents are also worried," she said.
Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the central government over its alleged negligence towards Railways. The Kanchanjungha Express operates between Silchar in Assam and Sealdah in Kolkata.