BENGALURU (Karnataka): A relief center has been set up at Bangalore Yashwantpur railway station on Saturday to provide assistance to the victims of the train accident in Odisha’s Balasore.
According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the accident site and the hospital in Cuttack today.

Earlier, he called a high-level meeting with railway officials to review the situation after three trains collided in Odisha on Friday night, killing at least 238 people.

Bengaluru-Howrah Express, Coromandel Express and a freight train collided on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station, Balasore district 17 coaches of these two trains were derailed and severely damaged.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, Siva Shankar, and Anbil Mahesh have left for Odisha’s Balasore to enquire about the tragic train accident.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, who met reporters at the Chennai airport on Saturday morning, said, “We are going there to find out the details. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has spoken to the Odisha Chief Minister. I will inform you after reaching the spot. Hospital facilities are also ready for the Tamils. The country is hit by a train accident.”

On the other hand, Tamil Nadu M.K.Stalin also visited the State Emergency Center in Chennai on Saturday morning and personally inspected the situation. Stalin also said that he spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and assured him of all assistance from the Tamil Nadu government.

The death toll in the Odisha train accident in which two express trains, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express collided with a freight train at Balasore, has risen to 238, the South Eastern Railway said on Saturday.

“As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro,” the South Eastern Railway said.

Help Desk Set Up at Bengaluru Railway Station to Assist Odisha Train Accident Victims

Overview
In response to the recent tragic train accident in Odisha, a dedicated help desk has been established at the Bengaluru Railway Station to provide assistance to the victims and their families. This initiative aims to offer immediate support, information, and necessary aid to those affected by the incident, ensuring that their needs are addressed promptly and efficiently.

The Incident
The train accident, which occurred near Balasore in Odisha, involved a collision between two passenger trains and a goods train, resulting in significant casualties and injuries. The incident has left many passengers stranded, injured, or in distress, necessitating a coordinated response from authorities and support organizations.

Purpose of the Help Desk
The help desk at Bengaluru Railway Station has been set up with the primary objectives of:
1. Providing Information: Offering real-time updates and information about the accident, the status of passengers, and the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
2. Facilitating Communication: Assisting families in locating their loved ones and establishing communication channels with affected individuals.
3. Offering Medical Aid: Coordinating medical assistance for injured passengers who arrive in Bengaluru and ensuring they receive necessary treatment.
4. Logistical Support: Arranging transportation, accommodation, and other logistical needs for the victims and their families.

Operational Details
The help desk is manned by a team of trained personnel, including railway officials, medical staff, and volunteers from various NGOs. The team operates around the clock to provide continuous support and ensure that no request goes unattended. The desk is equipped with essential resources such as computers, telephones, and internet access to facilitate efficient communication and data management.

Key Services Provided

1. Passenger Information and Assistance: The help desk maintains an updated list of passengers involved in the accident and their current status. Families seeking information about their loved ones can approach the desk for assistance.
2. Medical Support: Injured passengers arriving in Bengaluru are immediately referred to nearby hospitals. The help desk coordinates with medical facilities to ensure timely treatment and provides information about the patients’ conditions to their families.
3. Counseling Services: Recognizing the emotional trauma caused by such incidents, the help desk offers counseling services to victims and their families. Professional counselors are available to provide psychological support and coping mechanisms.
4. Transportation and Accommodation: For passengers and families needing transportation or temporary accommodation, the help desk arranges necessary services. This includes arranging for vehicles to transport injured individuals to hospitals or providing shelter for those awaiting further assistance.
5. Financial Aid and Documentation: The desk assists victims in accessing financial aid provided by the government or other organizations. It also helps with the completion of necessary documentation, such as medical forms or claims for compensation.

Collaboration and Coordination
The successful operation of the help desk is a result of collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including:
– Indian Railways: Providing infrastructure, personnel, and logistical support.
– Local Government Authorities: Ensuring the availability of medical facilities and emergency services.
– Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Offering volunteer support, counseling services, and additional resources.
– Community Volunteers: Assisting in various capacities, from translation services to logistical support.

Impact and Response
The establishment of the help desk has been met with appreciation from the public and the families of the victims. It has played a crucial role in mitigating the immediate challenges faced by those affected by the accident. By providing a central point of contact and comprehensive support services, the help desk has significantly eased the burden on the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Future Steps
While the immediate focus remains on providing relief to the accident victims, the railway authorities are also considering long-term measures to enhance the overall safety and support systems for passengers. This includes:
– Enhanced Safety Protocols: Reviewing and improving safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
– Permanent Help Desks: Considering the establishment of permanent help desks at major railway stations to provide ongoing support for passengers in emergencies.
– Training and Preparedness: Conducting regular training sessions for railway staff and volunteers to ensure they are well-prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.

Conclusion

The help desk at Bengaluru Railway Station exemplifies a proactive and compassionate response to a tragic event. By addressing the immediate needs of the victims and their families, it underscores the importance of timely and coordinated support in the aftermath of such incidents. As the rescue and relief operations continue, the help desk will remain a vital resource for those affected, providing much-needed assistance and ensuring that no one is left without help in their time of need.