Cong seeks 1 cr compensation, probe into train accident

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Congress on Wednesday demanded a high-level inquiry into the Bilaspur train accident that claimed multiple lives, alleging gross negligence by railway authorities.State Congress president Deepak Baij said that the tragedy reflected serious lapses in railway safety and accountability. "This accident is a result of grave negligence. A high-level probe must be ordered immediately," Baij said after visiting injured passengers undergoing treatment in Bilaspur hospitals.Baij also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of each deceased and Rs 50 lakh for each injured passenger. Raising questions over the delay in adopting safety technology, Baij asked, "Why hasn't the Suraksha Kavach automatic safety signalling system been installed on Chhattisgarh's railway tracks yet?"He pointed out that despite the Bilaspur Railway Zone generating over Rs 25,000 crore annually from freight operations, passenger safety continues to be ignored.Stressing that compensation alone is not a solution, he said the government should show promptness in using technology and resources for passenger safety.Baij further alleged that a proposal to install the Kavach system on about 600 kilometres of up and down lines in the Bilaspur zone has been pending with the Centre since May 2024, underscoring what he called the government's "indifference towards passenger safety."