AIZAWL: In the wake of the collapse of an under-construction railway bridge in the Sairang area, near Aizawl, that killed 23 workers on Wednesday, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced compensation measures to assist the affected families.
The compensation package includes an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh in case of death, ₹2 lakh for severe injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.
Initial findings point to the failure of a gantry—a structure used to move heavy materials—while it was being positioned on the bridge under construction over the Kurung River. This bridge was part of an ambitious railway project, encompassing 130 such structures.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously declared ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
The mishap that dealt a significant blow to efforts aimed at integrating Mizoram into the country’s railway network, crumbled around 10 am, while construction activities were underway. All the 26 workers at the site belong to Malda district, West Bengal.
Post the mishap, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended her condolences to the families affected by the incident, assuring them that arrangements are being made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased back to the state.
Meanwhile, the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) has called for a thorough inquiry into the collapse of the under-construction bridge. Additionally, the YMA urged the involved companies, ABCI and Silchar-based BBJ, responsible for the bridge’s construction, to provide ex-gratia support to the victims and their families.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mizoram’s Chief Minister Zoramthanga expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and affirmed that rescue operations are actively underway. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery for the injured. In a social media post, he thanked the community for their support in the ongoing rescue efforts.
