A railway bridge collapse in India has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 26 lives.

 

As part of its efforts to modernize the railway network, the government has introduced high-speed trains. However, critics argue that there hasn't been sufficient emphasis on ensuring safety and upgrading the deteriorating infrastructure.

A railway bridge under construction in India collapsed on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic death of at least 26 workers and injuring two others, as reported by the police. Concurrently, the state-operated railway authority has initiated an investigation into the incident.

The collapse occurred in Sairang town within the northeastern state of Mizoram, as communicated by Chief Minister Zoramthanga through the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Media sources indicated that approximately 40 workers were present at the site during the bridge collapse, but the police asserted that there were 28 workers on site.

A state police official, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, "Rescue teams have managed to recover 13 bodies at this point. Efforts are ongoing to retrieve the remaining bodies."

According to a statement from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on the messaging platform X, the mishap transpired during construction activities related to the Bhairabi-Sairang New Line Railway Project.

The NFR detailed on its official website that this project aims to connect Mizoram with the rest of the nation, fostering "tourism and socio-economic development."

To investigate the incident, a "high-level inquiry committee" has been established by the NFR.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed in a statement that all possible support was being extended to those impacted.

India's extensive railway network is utilized by millions of people on a daily basis. While the government has introduced high-speed trains as part of its efforts to modernize the system, critics contend that insufficient attention has been directed towards safety and the revitalization of aging infrastructure.

Notably, in June, the country witnessed its deadliest rail accident in over two decades, resulting in the loss of at least 288 lives. Signal failure was identified as the cause.

Similarly, in October of the preceding year, a colonial-era suspension bridge collapsed in the western state of Gujarat, leading to the tragic demise of 135 individuals.