Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw sanctions Rs 2 crore for Bahanaga Bazar Station

By Amar Barik

Bhadrak, June 20: Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday reviewed the restoration work at Bahanaga Bazar station where as many as 292 people were killed in an massive train crash on June 2 and announced Rs 2 crore assistance for the development of the area.

According to sources, while Rs 1 crore assistance was sanctioned from the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund for the development of Bahanaga area, Rs 1 crore was approved from Railways fund for the development of Bahanaga Hospital.

In fact, Bahanaga Hopsital had handled the huge load of injured patients on the fateful day.

“Today, I came 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 minister added.

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

As many as 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 district.

At least 21 coaches of the two passenger carrying trains were derailed and severely damaged in the accident, killing and trapping hundreds of passengers.