VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Minister for Railways and Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has attributed the Kantakapalli accident to human error, stating that an inquiry is underway to investigate the incident.
The inquiry committee has already submitted its report to the Railway. Vaishnaw assured that the Central government remains committed to operationalizing the new South Coast Railway Zone and resolving land-related issues with the state government. Additionally, he announced plans to introduce more Vande Bharat trains.
The Kantakapalli accident, which occurred on October 29, resulted in 14 fatalities and at least 50 injuries when the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Express collided with a stationary passenger train, Visakhapatnam-Rayagada, in Vizianagaram district.
During an inspection of the Simhachalam Railway Station with BJP's Rajya Sabha member GVL Narasimha Rao, Vaishnaw revealed plans to develop the station as an Aadarash Railway Station with additional facilities, costing an estimated 19.8 crore. The station will soon have two more platforms and a two-story building with a rooftop, aiming to become a world-class railway station acting as a satellite station to Vizag.
Regarding the South Coast Railway Zone, Vaishnaw stated that despite its announcement three years ago, progress has been slow due to land disputes with the state government. He emphasized the government's commitment to resolving these issues and highlighted the allocation of Rs. 106 crore for the South Coast Railway Zone. The minister also addressed concerns about special trains during the Sankranti festival, instructing General Managers to coordinate and address the matter raised by MP GVL Narasimha Rao.
