Uttar Pradesh: Man Dies After Getting Hit By a Vande Bharat Express

NEW DELHI: Amidst the grand launch of multiple Vande Bharat Express trains by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a tragic incident occurred near Tundla in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the death of a man. The unfortunate incident took place when the train was en route from Varanasi to Delhi. This incident comes as a reminder of a similar mishap that occurred on the train's inaugural day in 2019 when it collided with a cow in Barhan, 15 kilometers away from Tundla.

According to officials, the recent fatality was attributed to the train's wheels skidding after running over a stray cattle. The Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer, Deepak Kumar, stated that engineers were investigating the incident. This unfortunate occurrence highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring the safety of both passengers and animals on railway tracks.

In another alarming incident last month, a man lost his life after being struck by a Vande Bharat Express train in Kozhikode, Kerala. The train was on its journey from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety measures and operational protocols associated with the Vande Bharat Express, a highly anticipated semi high-speed train service.

Despite these unfortunate events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proceeded with the inauguration of five additional Vande Bharat Express trains, linking significant cities and tourist destinations across different parts of the country. The launch was held at Rani Kamalapati railway station in Bhopal, where the Prime Minister personally flagged off two trains physically and three virtually. The new routes cover multiple states, including Goa, Bihar, and Jharkhand, where the introduction of these services marked their first-ever experience with semi high-speed trains.

The newly launched Vande Bharat Express trains are as follows: Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal)-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express, Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express, Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, and Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express, as stated in an official statement.

Before inaugurating the trains, Prime Minister Modi engaged with students who were on board one of the trains, discussing India's progress and achievements. However, the recent accidents involving Vande Bharat Express trains serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize safety measures and ensure the smooth functioning of these high-speed rail services.

As concerns over safety persist, authorities and railway officials must undertake comprehensive investigations and take necessary steps to address any underlying issues to prevent future accidents. The incidents also highlight the importance of implementing robust safety measures to safeguard both human lives and wildlife along railway tracks, contributing to a secure and efficient transportation network across the country.

ALSO READ: Delhi: Special Olympics Bharat Felicitates Special Athletes in Grand Ceremony

ALSO WATCH: