Title - Railways Panel will discuss safety aspects: Baalu

The Standing Committee on Railways would deliberate on the causes of railway accidents and the steps to be taken to enhance the safety aspects against the backdrop of the fire on Chennai-bound Tamil Nadu express, its chairman T R Baalu said today.

Twenty-eight passengers were killed and 31 others injured when a fire broke out in a sleeper class coach of the train on July 30.

Speaking to reporters at Velankanni railway station after carrying out an inspection, Baalu said the committee would submit a detailed report to Parliament based on its deliberations.

 Baalu led a six-member team to Velankanni to review the facilities for the pilgrims at the railway station. He also discussed the possibilities of running special trains during the annual festival at the world famous shrine Basillica at Velankanni scheduled to commence on August 29. Referring to the proposed Thiruthuraipoondi-Thirukkuvalai BG project, Baalu said land acquisition process was now going on.