New Delhi: Slamming the Centre over the train accident in Odisha, the AAP on Saturday alleged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s entire focus is on “PR exercise and showing off” and not passengers’ safety.
In a video message, AAP national general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak claimed anti-collision devices, which are crucial to avoid accidents, have been installed on just 2 per cent of the country’s rail network.
Pathak also extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
At least 288 people were killed and more than 800 injured in a train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday.
The two express trains were carrying nearly 2,000 people.
Pathak, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, said ensuring the safety of train passengers is not on the government’s agenda.
“In the last meeting of the railway committee, I had suggested that the government focus on the safety and security of passengers first. But the government’s entire focus is on PR and showing off, not on safety and security,” he said.
Installing anti-collision devices is the most important measure to avoid accidents but only 2 per cent of India’s 65,000-kilometre rail network is equipped with these, he claimed.