Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express accident on Thursday, saying the latter must take responsibility for the "massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways".
Two people reportedly died in the accident and dozens sustained injuries in the accident.
Kharge accused PM Modi of indulging in self-publicity.
"The derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in UP is yet another instance of how Modi Govt has systematically jeopardised Rail safety. Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured," he wrote on X.
"A month ago, 11 people lost their lives when a goods train collided with the Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express The Commissioner of Railway safety has said that the accident was "waiting to happen. Failure of automatic signal, lapses at multiple levels in managing operations, and non-availability of critical safety equipment such as walkie-talkie with the loco pilot and train manager are some of the reasons cited for collision in the probe report," he added.
Kharge demanded that the Kavach anti-collision system be installed on all routes.
"PM Narendra Modi and his Railway Minister, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility for the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways. Our single demand --The Kavach anti-collision system should be installed expeditiously on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents," he added.
According to reports, eight coaches of the train derailed near UP's Gonda.
The Uttar Pradesh administration has sent two teams of the NDRF for the rescue and relief operation. Several senior railway and UP government officials have also reached the spot.
The Railway Board has issued the following helpline numbers - Commercial Control: 9957555984, Furkating (FKG): 9957555966, Mariani (MXN): 6001882410, Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798, Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959, Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960.