President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday condoled the loss of lives on account of derailment of a train in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli district.
"I am sad to learn about the derailment of a train in Rae Bareli district this morning, in which some persons have lost their lives and many others are injured. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway," President Mukherjee said in his message to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik.
"I call upon the state government and Railway authorities to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as the best of medical attention to the injured," he added.
President Mukherjee also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
"I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons," he said.
The engine and two coaches of the Janata Express train number 14266, plying between Dehradun and Varanasi, derailed at Bachhrawan near Rae Bareli on Friday morning, leaving around 20 people dead and over 150 people injured.
According to reports, the mishap occurred when the train entered the Bachharwan station.
The government has announced a compensation of Rs two lakh to the next of the kin and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha earlier said that relief vans were on their way to the site where the Dehradun-Varanasi Janata Express train derailed this morning.
"Relief van is on its way, when we have more information, we will let you know," said Sinha.
The Railways has issued two helpline numbers in wake of the accident - 0535- 2211224 at the Rae Bareli Station and 0135- 2624002 and 2622131 at the Dehradun Station.