Rail safety

Sir — The Rajdhani train mishap came on the heels of a rail fare hike. It poses the pertinent question of whether the railways’ financial situation can be salvaged by ignoring the safety of the passengers.

The derailment of Rajdhani Express may have happened due to lapses on part of the rail authorities or due to sabotage. The ongoing investigation will determine that. 

Meanwhile, it is a fact that Maoists have in the past targeted train services. It may well have been the case this time around .

State Governments and the Centre must take collaborative and effective steps to wipe out the Maoist menace. It is disgraceful that the Maoists should be allowed to get away with their barbaric acts of violence. 

Besides, the new Government at the Centre must improve the safety norms of railway passengers. It must focus on infrastructure development rather than the announcement of various new schemes. The Railways Ministry should learn from past mistakes and stop indulging in blame games.