Special train to carry passengers to Patna

The railway minister reached the site in the evening and also visited those injured in the hospital.

New Delhi: A special train has been arranged to take to Patna the passengers of the ill-fated Indore-Patna Express which derailed in Kanpur rural area in the wee hours today, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

Offering all possible support, he said he was deeply pained by the loss and added that 4000 food packets, 2000 water bottles, 1500 cups of tea have been supplied free of cost till now to passengers.

"A special train is being arranged to take the passengers from Kanpur to Patna," he tweeted.

Prabhu reached the site in the evening and also visited those injured in the hospital.

Offering "deepest condolences", Prabhu said Railway Board special cell is coordinating all arrangements, including relief efforts.

"I am personally monitoring rescue and relief operations," he posted on Twitter.

While Railway Board member (Traffic) Mohd Jamshed was monitoring the disaster management control room here, Railway Board Member (Engineering) AK Mittal and Board Member (Mechanical) Hemant Kumar erre on ground zero to coordinate the national transporter's efforts in tackling the situation.

Railways has also announced an enhanced ex-gratia for the familes of the deceased and those injured in the accident. Ex-gratia is separate from the compensation given by the Railways through Rail Claim Tribunal.