Train mishap: PM announces relief

, May 27: In his first decision after taking over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a

of Rs two lakh each to the kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in yesterday's train

in Uttar Pradesh.

He directed the Railway Ministry to ensure that relief operations were carried out smoothly and that all those injured in the Gorakhdham Express mishap were provided the best possible medical care.

The Prime Minster sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh each to the next of kin the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Rs 50,000 each for those seriously injured in the accident, a PMO statement said.

The railway authorities on Tuesday confirmed that the death toll has risen to 24 and is likely to increase further. Six bogies of the Gokardham Express got derailed at Sant Kabir Nagar in Eastern Uttar Pradesh on Monday after it hit a stationary goods train, just 35 kilometers away from Gorakhpur.

PTI