Need to review Railway safety, security: Gowda on UP accident

Expressing grief over the train accident in eastern Uttar Pradesh in which 12 persons have been killed, Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda today said an action plan would be prepared to ensure safety and security of rail commuters.
"It is a sad incident. There is a need to review railway safety and security," Gowda told reporters after visiting the accident site here.
When asked why such incidents were happening frequently, he said an action plan will be prepared to ensure safety and security is provided to passengers and for this advanced techniques will have to be used.
The Railway Minister informed that the loco pilots of both the trains involved in the accident have been suspended.

Gowda said the Railways, District Administration, Air Force and SSB personnel played an important role in carrying out relief and rescue work.
He said that local residents also helped in rescuing trapped passengers and taking them to hospitals.

The Minister said that Rail Administration showed promptness in repairing the damaged tracks and train operation on the division has been restored.
Financial assistance to kin of the victims and those injured had already been announced, Gowda said, adding that railway officials have been directed to ensure proper treatment to the injured.
The minister visited the accident site along with BJP MP Yogi Adityanath, NE Railway General Manager Madhuresh Kumar and other senior officers.

He also visited the hospitals, met the injured and enquired about their health.
At least 12 persons were killed and 45 injured when a speeding passenger train allegedly jumped signal and collided with another train which was taking a turn on a loop line near here last night.