Odisha train tragedy: Railway minister announces Rs 2 cr assistance for development of Bahanaga 

Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who reviewed the restoration work at Bahanaga Bazar station where as many as 292 people were killed in an accident involving three trains earlier this month, announced Rs 2 crore assistance for the development of the area on Tuesday.

According to sources, while Rs 1 crore assistance was sanctioned from the MP fund for the development of Bahanaga area, Rs 1 crore was approved from Railways fund for the development of Bahanaga hospital.

“I have come to Bahanaga Bazar and interacted with the locals about what all development works can be done here. I also thanked them for the way they acted during the horrific triple train tragedy,” Vaishnaw said.

“We have allocated Rs 2 crore for the development work of the village and hospital here,” the Union Minister added.

Speaking about the CBI investigation into the triple train tragedy, Vaishnaw said, “An independent investigation is underway in connection with the incident.”

Notably, 292 people were killed in the triple train accident involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which were carrying over 2,500 passengers, and a goods train laden with iron ore on June 2 evening at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore. As many as 21 coaches were derailed and severely damaged in the accident, trapping hundreds of passengers.