Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Indian Railways for Surge in Derailments

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mocked the Indian Railways for its numerous derailments, claiming it has set a 'world record' in such incidents. She raised concerns over passengers' safety, critiqued the railway minister's inaction, and highlighted her own contributions as a former railway minister.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday took a sharp dig at the Indian Railways, accusing it of establishing a "world record" in derailments.

Her comments followed an incident where several wagons of an empty goods train derailed in Jalpaiguri district earlier in the day.

''What's happening with the Railways? Even today, there's news of a derailment. The Railways has made a world record in derailments. But, nobody says anything?'' she questioned reporters after an administrative review meeting in Birbhum.

Banerjee expressed grave concern over passenger safety, questioning the whereabouts of the railway minister and criticizing his role. ''People's safety and security are in danger, and they're scared of traveling by train. Where is the railway minister? Elections alone won't help; you have to stand by the people in their time of need,'' she emphasized.

The derailment in New Maynaguri railway station involved five wagons of an empty goods train, although no injuries were reported, according to officials.

As a former two-time railway minister, Banerjee recounted her achievements, including sanctioning projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore for West Bengal. ''I had run the department smoothly and allocated several projects for Bengal,'' she asserted. Notably, a recent report mentioned 18 attempts to derail trains across the country since August.

(With inputs from agencies.)