Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said Central and State teams are working together in investigating the causes behind the twin blasts that took place between two coaches of the Bangalore-Guwahati Express train at the Chennai Central Railway Station, and added that his 'people' were taking quick action and providing the required relief-related work.
"Investigation is going on. Railway and state police are working together. I believe that in a short time we will be able to sort out this matter", he said.
Kharge also said he would not be traveling to Chennai as he had to visit New Delhi for an update meeting.
"A very unfortunate incident took place in Chennai today. The train (Bangalore-Guwahati) which is scheduled to arrive at 5.20 hours arrived at Chennai Central at 7.05 hours," he said.
"Approximately after 10 minutes after the train's arrival, two minor blasts took place in two coaches - S4 and S5. As consequences of these blasts, one lady passenger, age around 22, lost her life. She was travelling from Bangalore to Vijayawada. In addition to this, two passengers received major injuries and seven received minor injuries," he added.
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The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex-gratia of one lakh rupees for the kin of the deceased. 25,000 rupees will be given to the two critically injured, and 5,000 rupees to the seven with minor injuries.
Two blasts took place this morning onboard the Bangalore-Guwahati Express shortly it had arrived at Platform No. 9 of the Chennai Central Railway Station. The bombs were planted under the seats of the two coaches.
The injured have been admitted to a hospital. A helpline number 044-253 57398 has been set up.
