Friday, July 29 2005 10:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jaunpur: Describing the blast in the New Delhi-bound Shramjeevi Express, in which 12 people were killed, as a 'terrible tragedy', Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today (July 29, 2005) said the incident has presented new challenges to authorities in maintaining the safety of trains.

"The blast in the Shramjeevi Express has definitely thrown up a new challenge before the Railway Authorities and the Ministry would tackle the issue on a priority basis," Prasad told reporters at Harpalganj station here after inspecting the damaged general compartment of the train.

The Minister announced a probe into the blast, which occurred yesterday (July 28, 2005), by the Railway Safety Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh police and central intelligence agencies and said that the perpetrators of the blast would be brought to book following an enquiry into the matter.

He refused to comment on whether the incident was the handiwork of terrorists.

Prasad said that he would make a statement on the train blast in Parliament either today (July 29, 2005) or tomorrow (July 30, 2005).

Most of the injured passengers who sustained severe burn injuries would be sent to New Delhi for free treatment by the Railway Authorities, he said.

The Minister announced Rs one lakh ex gratia to the next of the kin of those dead in the blast and a job for one member each from victims' family.

Those who were seriously injured would also be provided with jobs, he said.