NewKerala.com

Andhra Bus Tragedy: PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Aid for Victims' Kin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced financial aid for the victims of a devastating bus crash in Andhra Pradesh. The accident occurred on a dangerous mountain road, claiming the lives of at least eight pilgrims. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the remote and inaccessible location of the crash site. The state government has also mobilized to provide medical care and support to the affected families.

Key Points: PM Modi Announces Ex Gratia for Andhra Pradesh Bus Accident Victims

  • PM Modi approved Rs 2 lakh for next of kin of deceased from the PMNRF
  • The bus plunged into a gorge on a treacherous ghat road in Alluri Sitharama Raju district
  • Rescue was delayed due to the remote location with no mobile network
  • The pilgrims were traveling between temples in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
2 min read

PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for kin of victims in Andhra bus tragedy

PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for families of victims in the tragic Andhra Pradesh bus accident that killed 8 pilgrims on a ghat road.

"Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap... My thoughts are with the affected people and their families. - Prime Minister's Office"

New Delhi, Dec 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced financial assistance for the victims of a tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district, where at least eight pilgrims lost their lives.

In a message shared by the Prime Minister's Office on X, he expressed deep grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," the PMO posted.

The Prime Minister also approved an ex gratia payment from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," he announced, assuring support to the families struck by the tragedy.

The accident occurred during the early hours of Friday on the Chintur-Naredumilli ghat road, a stretch known for its sharp curves and difficult terrain.

According to preliminary reports, the private travel bus, carrying 37 people, including two drivers, plunged into a deep gorge after the driver allegedly failed to negotiate a sharp turn. The vehicle reportedly hit a safety wall before tumbling into the valley.

All passengers were pilgrims from Chittoor district, travelling toward the Annavaram temple in Kakinada district after visiting the revered Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana.

The remote location of the mishap further complicated rescue efforts. With no mobile network connectivity in the area, information about the accident reached the Mothugunta police only after a delay.

Upon receiving the alert, police teams rushed to the site and launched an extensive rescue operation. Eight bodies were recovered, while the injured were transported to a hospital in Chintur. Five police vehicles and three ambulances were deployed to ensure quick evacuation and medical aid.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the accident and immediately sought updates from officials. He instructed the administration to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and to extend necessary assistance to the families of the victims.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad. They were pilgrims returning from Bhadrachalam. The delay in rescue due to no network is a serious issue that needs fixing. While the ex-gratia is welcome, we need to focus on preventing such accidents. Better driver training and strict fitness checks for vehicles on hilly routes are a must.
R
Rohit P
Immediate response from both PM and CM is good. Hope the injured recover soon. The real test is whether the local administration improves that road now. How many more lives will be lost on that Chintur-Naredumilli stretch before permanent solutions are implemented?
A
Ashley H
Terrible tragedy. The compensation is a supportive step, but it highlights a systemic issue. Remote areas across India lack basic infrastructure like mobile networks, which is critical for emergency response. Development must reach these places too.
K
Karthik V
Om Shanti. As someone from AP, I know how treacherous these roads can be, especially at night. The driver must have been exhausted. Private operators often push them beyond limits. Government should regulate driving hours for pilgrim tour buses strictly.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: While the financial aid is announced promptly (which is good), the news cycle will move on. Will there be a follow-up on whether the road safety audit was done and the families actually received the support smoothly? That's what matters in the long run.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50