Jalgaon Pushpak Express Accident Update: PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for injured victims

Jalgaon Pushpak Express Accident: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced ex-gratia payments for victims of the tragic accident on railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Families of the deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while Rs 50,000 and Rs 5,000 have been allocated to those with grievous and minor injuries, respectively.  

On Wednesday, at least 12 passengers were killed while 15 others sustained injuries after being struck by the Karnataka Express in Jalgaon district, officials said. The incident unfolded when passengers of the Lucknow-CSMT Pushpak Express, reacting to rumours of a fire onboard, disembarked onto the tracks, leading to the fatal incident.

The ex-gratia payments were distributed to nine injured passengers of the 12533 Pushpak Express at Vrindavan Hospital and Vighnaharta Pachora. Five passengers who suffered grievous injuries—Hasan Ali, Vijay Kumar, Uttam Harjan, Dharma Sawant, and Abu Mohammad—received Rs 50,000 each, Zee Business learned from sources. 

Meanwhile, four passengers with minor injuries—Moharam, Hakeem Ansari, Deepak Thapa, and Hujala Sawant—were provided Rs 5,000 each. In total, Rs 2.7 lakh was disbursed as ex-gratia, 

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed condolences, stating, "Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected."

Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 22, 2025

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He added that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the families of the deceased, with Rs 50,000 for the injured.  

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 22, 2025

Maharashtra government's response 

 
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently in Davos, announced a Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased and assured that the state government would cover the medical expenses of the injured. He described the loss of lives as "deeply distressing" and stated that Jalgaon General Hospital, along with nearby private hospitals, had been readied to provide medical care. 

जळगाव जिल्ह्यातील दुर्दैवी अपघातातील मृतांच्या वारसांना 5 लाख रुपये आर्थिक सहाय्य राज्य सरकारतर्फे करण्यात येईल आणि जखमींचा संपूर्ण खर्च सुद्धा राज्य सरकार करेल.
जखमींच्या प्रकृतीत लवकर सुधारणा व्हावी, अशी मी ईश्वरचरणी प्रार्थना करतो.#jalgaon pic.twitter.com/NHTUr1JTqw

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 22, 2025

Fadnavis noted that eight ambulances were dispatched to the site and emergency equipment, including glass cutters and floodlights, was on standby. He added, "We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration."

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed rescue teams and railway officials had reached the site, and the injured were being shifted to hospitals for treatment.