No lessons learned: Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over Mysuru-Darbhanga train accident

Drawing parallels to the tragic Balasore accident, which claimed the lives of nearly 300 passengers, the Congress MP said that the government has failed to learn from past incidents.

In Short

• Rahul Gandhi compared train accident to Balasore accident
• 19 injured in Mysuru-Darbhanga train collision with goods train
• Restoration work underway, no casualties reported so far

The leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the central government after a Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train collided with a stationary goods train on Friday evening at Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadu, near Chennai.

Drawing parallels to the tragic Balasore accident, which claimed the lives of nearly 300 passengers, the Congress MP said that the government has failed to learn from past incidents.

“The Mysuru-Darbhanga train accident mirrors the horrific Balasore accident—a passenger train colliding with a stationary goods train. Despite many lives lost in numerous accidents, no lessons are learned. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up?” Rahul Gandhi remarked.

At least 19 people were injured in the collision.

Restoration work is underway, with efforts continuing through Saturday to resume train services. Drone footage revealed damaged coaches scattered across the accident site, with onlookers gathering nearby.

Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, confirmed that relief efforts were in full swing, and, no casualties had been reported so far.

"There have been no casualties in the train accident. Twenty-two ambulances were dispatched immediately after we received information about the collision. Arrangements have been made for passengers, with three marriage halls opened for their stay, and essential supplies being provided,” the Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister said.

The minister also added that arrangements are being made to help passengers reach their destinations, while also urging the Centre to take proactive measures to prevent the frequent occurrence of rail accidents.

With inputs from Shilpa Nair