New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inspected the triple train accident site at Bahanaga in Odisha's Balasore district to take stock of relief operations. He also met the survivors being treated at Balasore Hospital.
At the trainwreck site, PM Modi was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and was briefed on the situation by both Vaishnaw as well as officers of the disaster management team which worked overnight to rescue people at the disaster site where at least 261 people have died and 900 more injured.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and Health Minister from the site. He asked them to ensure all help needed is provided to the injured and their families, said officials. PM Modi also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don't face inconvenience and those affected keep getting the assistance they require.
During the visit, he also interacted with Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallik as well as local police chief. He also inquired about the progress of restoration work launched at the mishap site.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting at the national capital regarding the Odisha train wreck. The PM was briefed about how the accident took place in detail during the review meeting and the efforts taken to rescue the affected. The meeting was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior Railway Officials.
He was also informed about the ground situation arising out of the horrendous train accident. Modi has already announced an ex-gratia for the kin of the deceased and the injured.