Rudraprayag accident: 14 killed as tempo traveller falls into Alaknanda river, PM Modi announces ex-gratia payment of Rs 200,000

At least 14 people lost their lives on Saturday when an express train carrying passengers plunged into the Alaknanda river on the Badrinath National Highway in Uttarakhand.

Some of the injured were flown out by helicopter and taken to AIIMS Rishikesh for further treatment.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the Rudraprayag District Magistrate to investigate the incident.

“It is very important that the injured receive proper treatment. Their families are being informed individually. We have made all arrangements to ensure that they receive all further necessary treatment,” Dhami said.

AIIMS Director Rishikesh Dr Meenu Singh said that of the seven patients admitted to the hospital, two were dead on arrival.

“Seven patients were taken to AIIMS, two of them died while the condition of two patients is very serious. Three patients are stable,” said Dr Meenu Singh.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a voluntary ₹2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000.

Here’s everything you need to know

– What happened

An express train with about 23 passengers on board plunged into the Alaknanda river near Badrinath Highway. Rescue work is being carried out by SDRF and a police team.

– Rudraprayag SP says

There were 23 people in the tempo traveller. Rescue operations are still underway, said Vishakha Ashok Bhadane, Rudraprayag SP.

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– Seriously injured man airlifted out: CM Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said those seriously injured on the road to Rudraprayag were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

“Instructions have been given to the officials concerned to provide better treatment to the injured. We are determined to provide all possible help to the injured,” Dhami said in a post on X.

– All possible help is provided: Amit Shah

“Received the sad news of the road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. My sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The local administration and SDRF teams are busy in relief and rescue work and all possible help is being provided to the injured,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X.

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– IG Garhwal on the accident

The speeder was coming from Noida (UP) towards Rudraprayag. He fell into a 150-200-metre deep ravine. The driver is seriously injured. Police, SDRF and local people are involved in rescue operations… Rescue operations are underway,” said Karan Singh Nagnyal, IG Garhwal.

– Pilgrimage activities remain robust

Pilgrimage activities remained intense despite rains in the dhams of Badrinath and Kedarnath on Friday. Over 2.2 million pilgrims have visited the four dhams so far this season.