Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident in Udhampur, offering financial assistance as the nation mourns the loss of lives in the mishap. The announcement comes as rescue and relief operations continue in the affected region, with authorities working to support the injured and their families.
The compensation has been extended from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund as a gesture of immediate support to the bereaved families. Along with this, ₹50,000 has also been announced for those who sustained injuries in the accident. Officials have stated that the assistance is aimed at helping families cope with the sudden financial and emotional crisis caused by the tragedy.
The accident, which took place in a hilly stretch of the region, has left several passengers dead and many others injured. Preliminary reports suggest that the bus lost control and fell into a deep gorge, although the exact cause is still under investigation. Rescue teams, including local administration and disaster response personnel, were quickly deployed to the site to carry out evacuation and medical assistance operations.
In the aftermath of the incident, hospitals in nearby areas have been placed on alert to treat the injured. Some of the critically injured passengers have been shifted to higher medical centres for advanced care. Authorities have also been coordinating with district officials to ensure timely identification of victims and support for their families.
The announcement of ex-gratia assistance has been welcomed by many, though grieving families and local residents continue to demand improved road safety measures in the region. Accident-prone hilly routes in Jammu and Kashmir have long been a concern, with repeated calls for better infrastructure, stricter traffic regulation, and enhanced safety monitoring.
Officials have stated that a detailed inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether any mechanical failure, overloading, or road condition issues contributed to the tragedy. The findings are expected to guide further safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the region comes to terms with the loss, messages of condolence have poured in from various political leaders and public representatives. The focus remains on providing immediate relief to affected families and ensuring medical care for the injured, while also addressing broader concerns of road safety in mountainous areas.
