Suresh Prabhu offers to resign as Railway minister, PM asks him to wait

NEW DELHI: Taking moral responsibility of two derailments within a week, Railway Minister Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offered to resign but was asked to wait.

Prabhu met the Prime Minister after Kaifiyat Express derailed in UP this morning resulting in injury to 70 passengers. On August 20, Utkal Express derailed in UP killing 23 passengers and railways has accepted negligence by its staff as reason behind derailment.

"I met the Hon'ble Prime Minister taking full moral responsibility. Hon’ble PM has asked me to wait," Prabhu tweeted after the meeting. Prabhu further said that in less than three years as minister, he has devoted his blood and sweat for the betterment of the Railways.  

"Under leadership of PM, I tried to overcome decades of neglect through systemic reforms in all areas leading to unprecedented investment and milestones. New India envisioned by PM deserves a railways which is efficient and modern. I promise that is the path, on which railways is progressing now," he said.

Prabhu had called for a strict action against defaulters and fixing responsibility for Utkal Express derailment. Railways has sent on leave three senior railway officers including Member Engineering.

"I am extremely pained by the unfortunate accidents, injuries to passengers and loss of precious lives. It has caused me deep anguish," he added. Chairman Railway Board AK Mital, who was on two-year extension, has also resigned and his resignation has been accepted, said sources in the Ministry.Railway Board has also sent names of few officers to Prime Minister Office for approval.