NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced today that the Railway Board has recommended handing over the entire case of the recent tragic incident in Balasore to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive inquiry.
“We have taken the step to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the triple train accident, which tragically claimed the lives of 275 individuals and caused injuries to over 1,000 people,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters in Bhubaneswar on Sunday evening in a press conference.
Minister Vaishnaw expressed his appreciation for the coordinated efforts made by the Railway authorities, local communities, and the district administration in swiftly initiating rescue operations.
Parallel to the rescue efforts, the focus shifted to the restoration of essential infrastructure. Substantial progress has been made, with the repair of main lines nearing completion. The tracks have been restored, and ongoing work is now concentrated on the electrical lines and other critical components, informed the minister.
Recognizing the significance of medical assistance for the affected individuals, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the efforts being made to provide quality healthcare. Medical facilities in Balasore, the Balasore district hospital, Soro, Bhadrak, and Cuttack are working tirelessly to ensure the best possible care for the patients. These efforts underline the government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of those impacted by the tragic incident.
In addition to the ongoing rescue and restoration operations, the Railway authorities are actively collaborating with state governments to establish contact with the families of the unfortunate passengers involved in the accident. The aim is to provide necessary support and assistance to the affected families across the country, said the minister.