Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Monday announced Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia to the next of kin of any passenger from the state who died in the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express accident in North Bengal.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha expressed his grave concern over the unfortunate train accident that took place between Kanchanjunga Express and a Container Goods Train on Monday morning at about 8.45 AM between Rangapani and Chhatar Hat in Darjeeling District of West Bengal.

After speaking with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over phone, the Chief Minister said that the central minister informed him that the rescue operation is going on in full swing and assured him that all necessary support would be given to the victims and their families.

Saha said that the state government is continuously monitoring the situation since.

“Tripura Bhawan officials (in Kolkata) were instructed to visit the accident site for proper monitoring of rescue and rehabilitation of accident victims. Cost of treatment of all injured will be borne by the state government. In case of any unfortunate accidental death, the state government has declared Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia payment to the next of kin of the victim,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

The Chief Minister issued directions for assistance to the affected passengers. The Secretary of the state government Dr. P.K. Chakravarty in a press conference held at Civil Secretariat said that 13174- Kanchanjunga Express passengers consisted of a total 23 coaches including 21 passenger coaches and 2 VP parcel coaches. As per the preliminary information received, so far 9 persons have been killed and about 40 persons injured. Preliminary information also reveals that there is none from State amongst the deceased persons. Dr. P. K. Chakravarty added that if any of the passengers from the State died then his family would be assisted by the state government up to a sum of Rs. 2 lakh. Besides, the state government will bear the expenditure of treatment for injured passengers of State.

The Secretary also stated that on receipt of the information, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has been activated with helpline number 1070 and coordinating with the Railway Authorities for updated information. Besides there are landline numbers 0381-2416045 / 2416241. The Emergency Response Support System activated with number 112. These helpline numbers including the number of Railways has been publicized in the different media in the state and Social Media groups and through LED Screens for mass awareness. Immediately after receiving the information a team has been dispatched from Tripura Bhavan, Kolkata to the spot for taking necessary measures regarding treatment and allied relating to passengers of state. The government is in constant touch with the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of West Bengal and Disaster Management Authorities for coordination and support.

In the Press Conference U.K. Chakma, Secretary of Transport Department, Transport; Pradip Acharjee Addl Secretary Revenue Department; Subrata Choudhury, Addl secretary, Transport Department and State Project Officer of Disaster Management Sarat Das were also present.