New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Gyaneshwari Express derailment in West Midnapore district on Friday after a blast by Maoists sabotaged the train tracks.
The PM has announced a compensation of Rs two lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each of those seriously injured in the incident.
He asked Railways and other authorities to provide all assistance to the bereaved families, the injured and other passengers.
"The Prime Minister is grieved to learn of the tragedy today morning when Gyaneshwari Express met with an accident. The Prime Minister has asked the Railway and other authorities to ensure that all assistance is provided to the bereaved families, the injured and other passengers," a PMO spokesperson said.
Earlier Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee called upon Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee before briefing the PM on the incident.
Mamata Banerjee has announced Rs five lakh for the next of kin of each of the dead and Rs one lakh for the injured.