Neglect of past or limited budget resource can't be the reason for accidents but we must modernise crumbling infrastructure, said union railway minister Suresh Prabhu after a major train accident near Rae Bareli district in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.

Around 22 people are feared dead, while over 150 are believed to be severely injured as two coaches of the Dehradun-Varanasi Janata Express derailed on Friday morning.

According to reports, a brake failure is suspected. The engine overshot the signal and two compartments were derailed. One of the coaches, which was a general compartment, has been crushed by the impact.

Railways have ordered an inquiry and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the accident. While Rs 50,000 will be given to those injured seriously, Rs 20,000 will be given to people with minor injuries.

The railway minister in his tweet mentioned about prioritising safety as a thrust area and improving ageing infrastructure.

“This budget I focused on safety as I feel saddened by loss of life and injuries to our valued passengers. We must modernise crumbling infrastructure,” he tweeted.

“Local officials and Rail GM, DRM safety personnel and medical teams are constant touch with me. We are investing much more money in safety. My colleague MOS is rushing there too. Ordered enquiry the report will be in public domain soon. Ex gratia announced. I am monitoring action.”
 

This budget I focused on Safety as I feel saddened by loss of life and injuries to our valued passengers. We must modernise crumbling infra

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) March 20, 2015

My colleague MOS is rushing there too. Ordered enquiry the report will be in public domain soon. Ex gratia announced. I am monitoring action

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) March 20, 2015

This budget I focused on Safety as I feel saddened by loss of life and injuries to our valued passengers. We must modernise crumbling infra

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) March 20, 2015