Rahul Gandhi was addressing the Indian diaspora in the Javits Centre in New York. He noted the Central government would soon blame the Congress’ past for the disastrous train collision.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the train accident at Odisha’s Balasore, which has left 275 people dead and over 1,000 injured, was caused due to a ‘change in the electronic interlocking system’. Since the tragedy took place on Friday night, many are also wondering if Kavach, the Railway’s automatic protection system could have averted such a disaster. But what are these systems? How do they impact the functioning of trains?
Several Opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and have asked the government to assume accountability for the tragic incident.
As late as May 17, I wrote to the Railway Minister requesting regular upkeep of trains and frequent maintenance. Out of their apathy to the Opposition and believing they know best, the Modi government has systematically ignored constructive criticism
According to reports, the Chairperson of the Railway Board would meet with key officials in the Prime Minister s Office, including the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, to provide detailed insights from the ground. As the railway ministry conducts its own inquiry into the incident, the government has also approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take up the matter.