Bikaner-Guwahati Train Derailment: PreliminaryProbe Hints at Locomotive Glitch

NEW DELHI: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the preliminary investigation revealed a fault in locomotive equipment as the cause of the Bikaner-Guwahati train tragedy in Domohani in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district. 

He stated that the Commission of Rail Safety was investigating the incident to determine the cause. 

The Railway Minister paid a visit to the train disaster site in Domohani, West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district. The number of people killed in the Bikaner-Guwahati Express train disaster has grown to nine, with another 36 people injured.

"In the case of serious injury, the victim would be compensated with Rs 1 lakh, while non-serious injury victims will be compensated with Rs 25,000," the minister stated. The Indian Railways has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the relatives of those who died in the event.

The payment of ex-gratia amounts to the victims' relatives has begun. Each deceased person's family would receive Rs 5 lakhs, those who suffered major injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh, and those who had minor injuries will receive Rs 25,000," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assessed the situation early on Thursday. He also announced an increase in the amount of ex-gratia payments to the accident victims.

The rescue effort was carried out by two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after multiple bogies of the Guwahati-Bikaner Express (15633) derailed The incident occurred on Thursday evening around 5 p.m. in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, when several bogies of the Bikaner Guwahati express (15633) derailed. Approximately ten coaches were affected during this time, and nine persons were killed in the tragedy. Several people were also injured, and they are being treated at local hospitals.

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