RailEnquiry

Bangalore : Railway Minister Mukul Roy on Tuesday expressed anguish over the ghastly train accident that took place in Andhra Pradesh, and announced that the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) presently in use across the entire UK passenger railway network would be inducted in the Indian Railways soon to avoid further accidents. "The Railway is trying to introduce TPWS (Train Protection Warning System) in the Indian Railway like the European states. It is in process. I can assure you on behalf of the Railway that we are on the job," said Roy, when asked that either a signal problem or a train hitting another goods train or another train in stationary and on the same track being the factors mainly responsible for the accidents. "This is the TPWS system. It is the most modified system. It is as good as in Europe and other areas, where it has been introduced," he added. Roy, who has ordered a probe into the Hampi Express train accident, also informed that so far 19 people have lost their lives and over 35 people are seriously injured. "This is a very sad incident. Every life is costly and precious. According to the information (that) I have gathered that already 19 people have died and 35 people are in the hospital. I have already ordered to go for a full probe for the reason of the accident," said Roy. "And from the Railway side, I have ordered ex-gratia five lakh rupees for every deceased and for grievous injuries it is one lakh. And at the same time if anybody from the deceased's family wants to join in the Railway, we will also provide one job," he added. The Bangalore-bound Hampi Express collided with a goods train in Andhra Pradesh earlier this morning. The collision occurred around 3:15 a.m. The Hampi Express, travelling from Hubli to Bangalore, rammed a stationary goods train near Penukonda station in Anantapur district. As a result of the collision, two coaches of the Hampi Express derailed and caught fire. Though the fire has been brought under control, efforts are still on to save those trapped inside the damaged coaches. The death toll is likely to rise further, as many passengers are still feared trapped inside the damaged coaches. Meanwhile, railways have set up helplines at Bangalore City, Bellary, Hospet and Hubli. The helpline numbers at Bangalore city are 080-22321166, 22156553, 22156554; Bellary 08392-277704; Hospet 08394-221788; Hubli 0836-2345338, 2346141, 2289826. (