The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on August 5.

 THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its shock at the twin train accidents in Harda in Madhya Pradesh in which 30 people have died and many injured.  The Kamayani Express and the Janata Express going on parallel tracks were derailed and some of the coaches fell into the adjoining river.

Accidents on the railways are happening with alarming regularity. Yet, the railway ministry and the government have not woken up to the dire conditions of the railways and the abysmal safety standards.  As usual, an enquiry will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety with no real outcome.

Instead of pursuing grandiose projects such as bullet trains, the Modi government should get down to giving priority to safety in the railway system and ensuring that the track, signaling and safety equipment are upgraded without delay.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) conveys its condolences to all those who have lost their family members in this tragedy.