Railways fails to provide elementary safety for passengers: CPI(M)

New Delhi: The CPI(M) today criticised Centre over Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailment, which has claimed over 35 lives, saying the Railway Ministry has "totally failed" in providing elementary safety for passengers.

Averring such accidents are taking place with "distressing frequency", party Politburo also rued it was "unfortunate" that none at the highest levels in the government, including Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, are held accountable for the alleged present dismal state of affairs.

The Politburo said that in the wake of last November's Kanpur accident which had killed at least 150 people, it was expected of the Ministry to take steps to upgrade safety features on railways.

"Such railway accidents are happening with distressing frequency. Despite various assurances, the railway ministry has totally failed to provide elementary safety for passengers traveling in the Indian Railways," CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement.

At least 36 passengers were killed and over 60 injured after nine coaches of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh late last night.

"It is unfortunate that nobody at the highest levels of government including the railway minister are held accountable for the present dismal state of affairs," the statement added.