New Delhi: Hours after the Kaifiyat Express collided with a dumper in Uttar Pradesh, injuring around 100 people, Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu, “pained by the unfortunate accidents and loss of precious lives”, offered to resign from his post taking “moral responsibility”.
Following last week’s tragic accident, several political parties had demanded Mr Prabhu’s resignation, saying he should be held accountable for poor railway safety standards in the country. Since Mr Prabhu took charge of the Railways in 2015, there have been 346 accidents.
Since September 2015, there have been at least 28 major accidents and 277 people have lost their lives.
According to data released by the railway minister after the Hirakhan Express accident earlier this year, 1.42 lakh positions for Railways safety staff lie vacant.
The new Railway board chairman, Mr Lohani, holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has previously served as a divisional railway manager for the Delhi division of Indian Railways.
He replaces Mr Mittal, who was asked to go on leave on Tuesday, but had tendered his resignation.
Earlier, Mr Pabhu had taken action against eight officials, including a member of the Railway Board, for the Utkal Express derailment.
