West Bengal Govt. announces compensation for train mishap victims

Kolkata/New Delhi, July 19 (ANI): West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 3,00,000 to the families of those killed in the train mishap in West Bengal's Birbhum District.

"From the state government, we have taken a position to provide three lakhs rupees for each member of the deceased family and we will take care of the financial responsibility and treatment of all injured persons as well," said Dasgupta.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Railways E. Ahmed today said stern action would be taken against those found guilty.

"The inquiry probe has been ordered. Once the report is available, the railways will take appropriate action. If any railway employee is found guilty, railway will deal sternly," said E. Ahmed.

The train collision involving Uttarbanga Express and the Vananchal Express claimed the lives of at least 60 passengers and left over 100 others injured.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has deployed five teams of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) consisting of 140 personnel to assist in the rescue and relief operations.

Meanwhile, the Army sent a 167-member team of doctors, engineers and technical specialists to help rescue operations.

The Air Force has kept one Mi-17 helicopter on standby each at its Barrackpore and Kalaikunda stations.

An inquiry headed by the Commissioner of Railway Safety has been ordered into the incident.

Railway authorities have opened several helpline numbers and control rooms in Sealdah, Malda, Bhagalpur and Howrah.

Helpline numbers: Ranchi: 0651-2600263/64, 2460488, 2461404 -- Sealdah: 033-23503535, 23503537, -- Malda: 06436-222061 -- Bhagalpur: 06412-4222433 -- Jamalpur 063444-3101. (ANI)