The tragic death of 30 passengers in a sleeper coach in the Tamilnadu Express due to an electric short circuit once again highlights the absence of adequate safety measures in the Indian Railways. It is shocking that there are no mechanisms in place to deal with such an occurrence leading to the spread of the fire which engulfed the whole compartment while the passengers were asleep. The upkeep of the trains and safety checks and monitoring seem to be the least priority for the present incumbent of the Railway Ministry.
Earlier also the CPI(M) had demanded that the Prime Minister look into the affairs of the Indian Railways and the way it is being mismanaged. This now brooks no delay.
The CPI(M) conveys its condolences to the families of those killed and injured and demands that full compensation be paid.