PM Narendra Modi announces Rs 2 lakh for derailment victims

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for the kin of each of those killed in the twin train derailments in Madhya Pradesh as he expressed distress and pain over the loss of lives in the mishaps.

The ex-gratia relief was sanctioned from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and will be in addition to the relief assistance already announced by the Railways, a PMO statement said.

An ex-gratia relief of Rs 50,000 has also been sanctioned from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for those who were seriously injured in the derailment of Kamayani Express and Janata Express - near Harda in Madhya Pradesh late last night, it said.

"The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased," Modi tweeted.

"My prayers with the injured. Authorities are doing everything possible on the ground. The situation is being monitored very closely," Modi said in another tweet.