Lok Sabha debate: Opposition MPs express concern over train accidents

Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha on Wednesday expressed concern over the "increase" in number of train accidents in the country, while those of the treasury benches lauded the government's efforts to expand the railway network.

Several members also put forth their demands for railway lines in their areas as the Lower House discussed the Demand for Grants for the railways ministry.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP from Aurangabad Abhay Kumar Sinha said the recent train accidents indicate there are many shortcomings in the functioning of the railways that need to be addressed.

"Since Independence, only 18 per cent of new railway tracks have been laid. Every year, 275 km expansion has happened, which is very little," he said.

"It should be increased, more railway tracks should be laid down, and old tracks should be repaired so that accidents can be stopped," he said.

Sinha also said during the tenure of Lalu Prasad as the railways minister, the Indian Railways was earning profits and "the wh