PM orders 'reluctant' jr rail minister to visit Assam train blast site

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today directed minister of state for railways Mukul Roy to visit the site of a train derailment in Rangia in Assam following a blast in which at least 50 passengers were injured. Kalka Mail mishap: Death toll rises to 63 | Train accident in Assam

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today directed minister of state for railways Mukul Roy to visit the site of a train derailment in Rangia in Assam following a blast in which at least 50 passengers were injured.

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The direction came a day after the blast that took place near Rangia in Assam's Kamrup (Rural) district last evening, PMO sources said.

Mukul Roy said that he was far away from the blast site and it was not a "necessity" to make a visit. "I am the MoS not the railway minister, I'll go to the spot if the PM tells me," he was quoted by national dailies as saying.

At least 50 passengers were injured as six coaches of Guwahati-Puri Express derailed following the blast.

The Prime Minister holds the portfolio of Railways in absence of a cabinet minister.