In this image made from video, people gather by the scene where two trains derailed in Harda in Madhya Pradesh state, India, Wednesday, August 5, 2015.
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The toll could further go up, he said.
Rescue work is going on at the accident spot.
The Kamayani Express was on its way to Mumbai when it derailed near the town of Harda in Madhya Pradesh state, while the Janata Express was travelling in the opposite direction when it derailed soon after.
Six coaches from the Kamayani Express and the engine and four coaches from the Janata Express derailed just before midnight.
Railway Chairman AK Mittal said a flash flood caved the tracks as the soil shifted.
Junior Home Minister Kiren Rijiju said more than 300 people have been rescued. Three special trains took doctors and rescue teams to the accident site.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, “Enquiry ordered, Ex gratia to be paid immediately”. “We are gearing up all possible help, though darkness and waterlogging are creating hurdles”.
The Railway Minister said all efforts are underway to rescue the passengers and top officials have rushed to the site. “Directed GM, DRM, RPF medical staff to rush”, he added. “Ten minutes back at this spot, train movement was normal”. Indian Railways has issued two helpline numbers: 05422503814, 62733. The Helpline numbers are – at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus 022-22694040, LTT 022-25280005, Thane 022-25334840 and 0251-2311499 at Kalyan.
The Press Trust of India reported that it was not clear how many passengers were on the trains.
According to a CR statement, Kolhapur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Express has been diverted via Bhusaval-Surat, Jhelum express, Punjab Mail, Kushinagar express, Amritsar Express via Jalgaon and Bhopal, Mangala Express via Bhusaval-Surat-Bairahgarh-Nishatpura. At least 40 trains could be affected.
In a message to Governor Madhya Pradesh Ram Naresh Yadav, Mukherjee said, “I am sad to learn about the derailment of the Kamayani Express and Janata Express trains in Madhya Pradesh last night as a result of which a number of persons have lost their lives and many are injured”.
The Railway Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the twin derailments and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to grievously injured and Rs 25,000 to those who sustained minor injuries.
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Rescue operations at the spot have been intensified, Divisional Commercial Railway Manager (DCRM) Brajendra Kumar said.
