The Congress has said the Balasore train crash report that detected lapses at multiple levels vindicated the party’s contention that the Narendra Modi government had ignored safety concerns in its “craze for” Vande Bharat and bullet trains.
Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh said: “This is what we have been saying all along. In the craze for inaugurating Vande Bharat trains, fixating on bullet trains and tinkering with specialised cadres, the Modi government has thoroughly compromised on basic issues of railway safety that don’t make for photo-ops and headlines. Clearly, the Balasore tragedy was human error at the root of which is a management failure, which includes the political leadership. What will it take to bring the overall approach to the railways back on track?”
Congress MP Manickam Tagore slammed the government over the report and wondered how railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw could still hold on to his position when his “inaction killed hundreds of passengers”.
As many as 293 people were killed in the June 2 accident involving three trains.
The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) investigation found lapses at multiple levels, including wrong labelling of wires inside the level-crossing location box, which was not detected for years, and contended that the tragedy could have been averted if warnings were not ignored. The signalling department has been found to be primarily responsible.
The Trinamul Congress accused the BJP-led Centre of “prioritising public relations over passenger safety” and alleged that concerns raised by the Opposition on serious issues regarding the Indian Railways were disregarded.
“India’s passenger trains are neglected and remain mobile mortuaries. In Parliament, Opposition parties have often red-flagged serious issues and offered constructive suggestions. No one listened, because PR (public relations) is prioritised over PS (passenger safety). Was maintenance jeopardised because it was a service dog, not a show dog?” Trinamul Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien asked.
At a media conference, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said: “We would like to appeal that do not get into this business of hot food and new Vande Bharats. First, ensure the safety of those travelling by train. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that people reach their destinations safely and not just keep flagging off trains.”
“All the lies of the government have fallen flat through this report,” she added.
