Rajya Rani Express derailment: Prabhu, Adiyanath announce compensation

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for each of the seriously injured passengers in the derailment of the Rajya Rani Express near Rampur on Saturday.

The railway minister has also ordered an enquiry into the accident.

Eight coaches of Lucknow-bound Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed at 8.15 am, near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh leaving at least two passengers injured.

Railways sources said two of the eight affected coaches have capsized.

However, there was no casualty, Northern Railway spokesperson Neeraj Sharma said.

"Personally monitoring situation.Directed senior officers to rush to the spot.Ensure speedy relief and rescue operations (sic)," Prabhu tweeted.

The minister also said on the social networking site that an enquiry has been ordered and strict action will be taken against defaulters.

Adityanath also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured in the accident, while Rs 25,000 to those who suffered minor injuries, a state government spokesman said.

The chief minister has asked Minister of State for Irrigation Baldev Olakh to distribute the financial help on the spot, the spokesperson said.

Adityanath has asked district officials to continue the relief and rescue operations on a war footing and directed the Chief Secretary, and the Principal Secretary, Home, to effectively monitor them.

Top railways officials, including Moradabad DRM Pramod Kumar, have reached the spot and medical teams have been pressed into action.

Meanwhile, IG ATS, Aseem Arun, has rushed a team to Rampur to probe the matter keeping in mind the "sensitivity" of the issue, an UP home department spokesman said.

ASP Noida, ATS, Brijesh Kumar has left for Rampur and a team already present on the spot has started the probe, he said.

The Railways have also operationalised helplines to facilitate communication between the affected passengers and their family members.