PM announces ex-gratia for train mishap victims

Expressing grief at the loss of lives in the train collision in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in the accident.

"The prime minister has expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives or were grievously injured in the Krishak Express-Barauni Express train collision near Gorakhpur district," an official statement said.

It said the PM has sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has also announced financial assistance for those killed and injured.

At least 12 persons were killed and 45 injured when a speeding passenger train allegedly jumped signal and collided with another train which was taking a turn on a loop line on Tuesday night.

The Maduadeeh-Lucknow Krishak Express hit Barauni bound express train from Lucknow from the side while it was on the loop line at Nandanagar railway crossing, about 7 km from Gorakhpur.