14.03 hrs
The Lok Sabha re-assembled after Lunch at three minutespast Fourteen of the Clock.
(Shri Basu Deb Acharia in the Chair)
Title: Regarding accident of Shramjeevi Express between Kheta Sarai and Mehrawan Stations on Faizabad-Zafrabad Section of Lucknow Division.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Now, Statement to be made by the hon. Railway Minister Shri Nitish Kumar.
THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI NITISH KUMAR): Sir, I am pained to apprise the House of an unfortunate accident of 2402 DN New Delhi-Patna Shramjeevi Express on Faizabad-Zafrabad section of Lucknow Division on Northern Railway at about 3.35 hours on 12.5.2002. The train, consisting of 24 coaches hauled by double locomotives, was on its journey from New Delhi to Patna in Down direction. The rear locomotive of double-locomotives and thirteen coaches next to it derailed between Khetasarai and Mehrawan stations on Faizabad-Zafrabad single-line section blocking through communication. From Lucknow onwards, the train was running on diverted route via Lucknow-Faziabad-Jaunpur-Varanasi due to a goods train derailment on its original route of Lucknow-Sultanpur-Varanasi section at 16.45 hours on 11.5.2002.
As a result of the above accident, 11 persons have lost their lives and 44 persons suffered injuries including 14 grievous and 30 simple injuries. Some of the injured passengers were discharged after First Aid. Injured persons were admitted in Civil Hospital of Jaunpur and Sadar Hospital of Shahganj. Some of the injured persons were later on shifted to Heritage Hospital at Varanasi. The injured are being given the best possible medical treatment.
Medical Relief trains were rushed to the site from Varanasi, Mughalsarai and Faizabad along with senior Railway Officials. I visited the accident site along with Chairman and other Members of Railway Board. The traffic is likely to be restored by late night on date.
I have announced enhancement of ex-gratia payments to the tune of Rs.1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased persons, Rs.15,000 for grievously injured, and Rs.5000 to those having simple injuries and the payments are being made. In addition to the ex-gratia payments, directions have already been given to Railway officials to help injured passengers in filling up claim forms so that they could get the compensation from the Railway Claims Tribunal expeditiously.
A Statutory Inquiry into the cause of accident by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has been ordered. The CRS, Northern Circle, has already reached the site of accident and has started on the spot investigations. On receipt of inquiry report from the CRS, regarding the cause of the accident, prompt action would be taken against the persons responsible and remedial steps will be taken to prevent recurrence of such accidents. He will commence his detailed inquiry at Jaunpur on 15.5.2002.
Regarding prime facie cause of the accident, there is a difference of opinion between Railway Officers and the State Government officials. While the Railway officials suspect sabotage as the prime facie cause, the State Government officials attribute it to collapse of a bridge.
I would also like to make a mention here and convey my appreciation and thanks to the local public, social and religious NGOs and other philanthropic organizations as well as local police and civil administration who rendered valuable assistance in providing timely succour and relief and facilitating the rescue operations.
One behalf of Railways and myself, I express deep condolences to the bereaved families and also express sincere sympathies to the injured. I trust the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
श्री हन्नान मोल्लाह (उलूबेरिया): सभापति महोदय, इसमें सेबोटेज का आरोप लग रहा है, इसलिए इसकी डिपार्टमैन्टल इंक्वायरी न कराकर उच्चस्तरीय जांच कराई जाए।…( व्यवधान)
श्री चन्द्रनाथ सिंह (मछलीशहर): हमने यह मामला जीरो ऑवर में उठाया था, अगर आपकी इजाजत हो तो इस पर हम क्लैरफिकेशन चाहते हैं।…( व्यवधान)
सभापति महोदय : सदन में स्टेटमैन्ट के बाद क्लेरफिकेशन अलाऊ नहीं है। नियमों के अनुसार इसकी इजाजत नहीं दी सकती।
श्री चन्द्रनाथ सिंह : सर, यह बहुत महत्वपूर्ण मामला है। आप क्लेरफिकेशन की परमीशन दे दीजिए।
सभापति महोदय : इस पर बाद में बहस होगी।
श्री चन्द्रनाथ सिंह : बहस की बात नहीं है। मैं मंत्री जी को धन्यवाद देता हूं कि वह मौके पर पहुंचे। यहां मामला उठा था कि मृतकों को एक लाख रुपये दिये गये हैं या पांच लाख रुपये दिये गये हैं। मैं मांग करूंगा कि प्रत्येक मृतक के परिवारजन को पांच लाख रुपये दिये जाएं।
श्री नीतीश कुमार : हम यहां क्लेरफिकेशऩ कर दें कि यह एक्सग्रेशिया पेमेन्ट के अलावा है। मरे हुए व्यक्ति को कम्पेनसेशन के रूप में रेलवे क्लेम्स टि्रब्युनल के माध्यम से चार लाख रुपये मिलते हैं। रेलवे उसका कम्पेनसेशन करती है। यह उस चार लाख एक्सग्रेशिया पेमेन्ट के अलावा है। जो कि आम तौर पर १५ हजार रुपये देने का प्रावधान है, उसे हमने बढ़ाकर एक लाख रुपये किया है। ग्रीवियस इन्जुरी में पांच हजार रुपये देने का प्रावधान है, उसे बढ़ाकर हमने १५ हजार रुपये किया है और सिम्पल इन्जुरी में पांच सौ रुपये देने का प्रावधान है, उसे बढ़ाकर हमने पांच हजार रुपये किया है। इसके अलावा पूरा मैडिकल ट्रीटमैन्ट, जिनके हाथ-पैर कट गये हैं, उनके आर्टीफीशियल लिम्ब्स के लिए आदेश दे दिये गये हैं। उनका रेगुलर या परमानैन्ट जो ट्रीटमैन्ट हो सकता है, उसके लिए भी रेलवे की तरफ से खर्च वहन किया जाएगा।
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