Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge has termed the incident of
fire aboard the Bangalore-Nanded Express, which claimed 23 lives, as the "most tragic and unfortunate".
The minister has expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Earlier in the day, he gave instructions to provide the "best possible treatment" to the injured persons.
Kharge also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs. 5 lakhs in case of death, Rs. 1 lakh in case of grievously injured and Rs. 50,000 in case of simple injuries.
An inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has also been ordered by the Railway Minister. (INN)