Odisha Train Tragedy: The nation reacts

The Odisha train tragedy has drawn reactions from across the nation. Just as condolences pour in for the victims, several people have called out the government for not taking measures to prevent accidents of this scale.

According to the latest reports, the death toll has reached 288, with 1100 people injured.

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal on Friday demanded Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's resignation over the horrific triple train crash in neighbouring Odisha.

TMC's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the Centre was spending crores of rupees on software to spy on opposition leaders while neglecting the installation of anti-collision devices in trains to prevent such accidents.

He said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre was boasting of Vande Bharat trains and newly-constructed railway stations to bolster political support by "misleading the public", but neglecting the safety measures.

Banerjee said it is the impoverished and marginalised people who bear the brunt of "the apathy of the Centre" and their actions, whether it is demonetisation, GST, lockdowns, farm laws or inadequate railway safety measures.

"My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, and if there remains a semblance of conscience, the Railway Minister should resign. NOW!" he wrote on Facebook.

The BJP accused the TMC leader of trying to politicise the tragic accident.

"When Mamata Banerjee was the railway minister, then too train accidents happened, did she resign? The answer is no. The TMC should stop politicising a tragic accident," BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said

"I am deeply saddened by the death of more than 50 persons in the train accident which taken place in Balasore of Odisha. I will pray for the souls of the deceased," Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday.
He also wished that the injured persons in the accident recover soonest.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a train accident in Odisha. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to convey his heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in this heart-wrenching event. He prayed for the departed souls to find solace in the divine abode and urged strength and courage for the affected families during these trying times.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi said on Friday that he is extremely distressed by the fatal train accident in Odisha's Balasore.

Tamil Nadu Raj Bhawan said in a statement, "Extremely distressed by the accident of Chennai-bound Coromandel Express in Odisha. My heart goes to the families who lost their dear ones. May the injured recover fast. All out rescue and relief operations are going on. Governor Ravi."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

A delegation from Tamil Nadu led by Transport Minister S.S. Sivasanlar has left for Odisha following directions from the Chief Minister.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has expressed deep grief over the train accident near Bahanaga Bazar Railway Station in Balasore district of Odisha.

Terming this as the most unfortunate incident, the Chief Minister expressed his grief over the death of several people and serious injuries in this terrible accident.

The CM conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

He requested the state and Union Governments to take steps to provide better treatment to the injured and extend adequate support to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP chief J.P. Nadda, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders expressed grief over the loss of lives in the rail accident in Odisha's Balasore on Friday evening.

"Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured," Murmu said in a tweet.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected."

Vaishnaw tweeted: "Rushing to the site in Odisha. My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and condolences to the bereaved families.

"Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. NDRF, State government teams and Airforce also mobilised. Will take all hands required for the rescue ops."

He announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for those dead, Rs 2 Lakh for those grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.

"The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonising. The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

"Deeply pained by the loss of precious lives in the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected passengers and their families. Praying for the speedy recovery to the injured," Rajnath Singh tweeted.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore. Rescue ops are underway and the NDRF team is providing all the possible assistance to the affected people. I appeal the local BJP karyakartas to provide the necessary support in the rescue efforts. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Nadda tweeted.

"Deeply saddened by the terrible train tragedy involving Coromandel Express in Odisha. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We urge the authorities to expedite rescue operations and provide relief to the injured. Request Congress workers to provide all possible help," Kharge tweeted.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, in a tweet, said: "Saddened by the news of death of several people in a train accident in Odisha's Balasore. May God give peace to those who died. My prayers are with the families in this hour of grief. Wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted" "Anguished by the tragic news of the accident involving the Coromandel Express, in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge Congress workers & leaders to extend all support needed for rescue efforts."

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has also expressed his anguish over the tragedy. "The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India," he has said.

Odisha and Tamil Nadu will observe a one-day state mourning today to mourn the lives lost in this tragic accident.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took stock of the situation at the accident site in Balasore where search and rescue operation is underway. "It's a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and State govt are conducting the rescue operation. Best possible healthcare facilities will be provided. Compensation was announced yesterday. A high-level committee has been formed to inquire about it," he said

UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi has expressed his deepest condolence to the families and the Government of India for the tragic train crash.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India,” Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train. He said Kerala stands in solidarity with Odisha during this difficult time.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. Kerala stands in solidarity with Odisha during this difficult time. @Naveen_Odisha," he tweeted.

"Deeply saddened to hear the unfortunate news of the train accident in Balasore in Odisha… Hundreds of people lost their lives in the accident… My deepest condolences to the bereaved families… I pray to God that those who were injured in the accident get well soon," said Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in a tweet. 

Telugu superstars Chiranjeevi and Junior NTR have expressed condolences.
Chiranjeevi stated: "Utterly shocked at the tragic Coromandel express accident in Orissa and the huge loss of lives! My heart goes out to the bereaved families."

"I understand there is an urgent demand for blood units to save lives. Appeal to all our fans and good samaritans in the nearby areas to extend all possible assistance for donating life saving blood units."

Junior NTR stated: "Heartfelt condolences to the families and their loved ones affected by the tragic train accident."

"My thoughts are with each and every person affected by this devastating incident. May strength and support surround them during this difficult time."

India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra, he had been left heartbroken by the news of the accident.

"Heartbreaking news from Odisha about the devastating train accident. My heart goes out to all those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Please, let's all extend our support and prayers to them. May the injured recover swiftly," tweeted Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist in 10m air rifle.

India cricketer Shreyas Iyer called the visuals coming from Balasore "shocking".

"Shocking visuals from Odisha. Praying for those affected by the tragic train accident." Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag paid his condolences to the families who lost their near-and-dear ones.

"Extremely sad hearing about this tragic train accident involving Coromandel Express in Odisha. Condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for quick recovery of those injured," wrote Sehwag.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan termed it a "heart-wrenching news".

"Heart wrenching news coming from Odisha. My thoughts and prayers for the families who lost their lives in this horrific train accident," wrote Pathan.

Former pace bowler Venkatesh Prasad wrote, "Very pained and anguished by the tragic train accident in Odisha. Passenger safety must be prioritised. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for smooth recovery of the injured."

Former India hockey skipper and current federation president Dilip Tirkey tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear about the Balasore train accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. We stand together in support and offer our deepest condolences." 

Taking to Twitter, Salman said he is "really saddened" by the unfortunate train accident.

"Really saddened to hear abt the accident. May God rest the souls of the deceased in peace. Protect n give strength to the families n the injured from this unfortunate accident," he tweeted.

Akshay said the visuals from the accident site in Odisha were "heartbreaking".

"Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. My thoughts and condolences to the families of the affected during this difficult time. Om Shanti," he added.

"Heartbreaking," wrote Varun as he shared a photo of the accident site on his Instagram Stories.

Shilpa Shetty said she is "praying for the souls of the deceased and their families".

"Gutted about the loss of so many lives in the train accident in Odisha," she said.

Kriti Sanon wrote, "Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones." Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonu Sood also condoled the loss of lives in the train accident.

Parineeti Chopra tweeted, "I’m praying for everyone involved in the horrible accidents in Odisha. Wishing for the families, friends and loved ones to find strength and heal as soon as possible. God bless everyone."

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday termed the Odisha train accident a failure of the government and said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw should resign from the post by taking moral responsibility for the tragedy.

"In the past, five railway ministers resigned taking moral responsibility for major accidents (during their tenure). In the same way, the current railway minister (Vaishnaw) should take moral responsibility and tender his resignation," Pawar said.

"His resignation won't solve the issue, but it would send out a message to the officials," the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly said. He also targeted the Centre over the issue of railway passengers' safety. "The government is planning to start bullet trains in different parts of the country. Similarly, Vande Bharat trains are being started and many routes have been privatised. But while doing all this, so many innocent people lost their lives despite no fault of theirs," Pawar said.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday mourned the death of several passengers in Odisha's Balasore train accident and said that questions with the government can wait till Sunday as rescue and relief is an immediate task.

Kharge said the party has many questions to ask the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief.

In a statement, Kharge said, "At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help."

Kharge said that a number of Congress leaders from different states have either already reached or will soon be reaching Balasore.

"I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We have many questions to ask of the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief," the Congress chief said.