"Not the time for politics," says Ashwini Vaishnaw as rescue efforts continue after Kanchenjunga Express train accident

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site of the Kanchenjunga Express train accident in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, on Monday afternoon to assess the situation firsthand. Travelling part of the way by motorbike due to the narrow roads, he emphasised that the immediate priority is the restoration of services on this crucial main line.

"Right now our focus is on restoration. This is the main line. The rescue operation has been completed. This is not the time for politics. I will also meet the injured," Vaishnaw stated.



Following his visit to the accident site, Vaishnaw went to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital to meet with the injured victims and offer his support and assurances.


The tragic incident occurred near Rangapani station, approximately 30 kilometres from North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station. A goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express from behind early Monday morning, resulting in the derailment of three rear compartments of the express train. According to railway officials, the accident led to the loss of at least 15 lives and left around 60 others injured.

Rescue operations, conducted by Railways, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), were promptly initiated and are continuing at a brisk pace. The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Minister Vaishnaw expressed his condolences and support through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations are going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site."

In response to the accident, Minister Vaishnaw announced an enhanced ex-gratia payment for the victims. "Enhanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims' families: Rs 10 lakh in case of death, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries," he tweeted.

Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the railway mishap, with Rs 50,000 provided to the injured.

The visit by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw underscores the government's commitment to swift recovery and support for the victims and their families in the wake of this tragic event.