Assam Congress writes to PM, seeks enhanced aid for victims of Kaziranga accident

Assam Congress leader and former leader of the opposition in the Assembly Debabrata Saikia. File photo | Photo Credit: ANI

Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Sunday (November 15, 2026) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance compensation for victims of the Kaziranga minibus-truck collision, provide free treatment to the injured and livelihood assistance to families of the 26 deceased.

In the letter, the former leader of the opposition in the Assembly expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the National Highway-715 stretch and alleged that the authorities' neglect of essential road safety measures was disturbing.

Mr. Saikia demanded a thorough examination of the road's condition, design, maintenance, traffic management and safety arrangements, as well as urgent intervention on highway safety, healthcare and infrastructure of the region.

Appreciating the Prime Minister for announcing financial assistance immediately after the accident, he added that the magnitude of the tragedy demanded enhanced compensation and rehabilitation measures.

Administrative accountability must be fixed while the conduct of the drivers involved must also be investigated, the Congress leader said in the letter while expressing disappointment over the response of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who visited the accident site a day later on Saturday (November 14, 2026).

Mr. Saikia claimed that while Mr. Sarma announced ex gratia and promised a probe into the accident, his remarks had failed to adequately address the grievances of locals about the highway. He also referred to the Chief Minister's reported remarks about a possible medical emergency involving the deceased driver, saying this should not divert attention from potential deficiencies in highway infrastructure.

At least 26 people died, including minors, and 20 others were injured in a head-on collision between a minibus and a container truck near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on Friday (November 13, 2026), officials said. Many of the victims were college students.

The Congress leader further said that Mr. Sarma himself had acknowledged that certain traffic restrictions had previously been relaxed under political pressure, making an independent examination of administrative decisions necessary.

In the letter, he also raised concerns relating to the Kaziranga region, including the NH-715 safety, healthcare facilities, alleged misuse of hospital premises, environmental protection, expansion of the eco-sensitive zone and land acquisitions, among others.

Mr. Saikia sought an increase in total compensation to the next of kin of each deceased to at least ₹20 lakh, inclusive of the ₹9 lakh already announced by the Central and State Governments, with additional assistance for families losing multiple members.

He also sought free medical treatment, rehabilitation and disability compensation for the injured, scholarships for dependent children, and livelihood assistance for families losing their principal earning members.

The Congress leader further asked for a comprehensive independent enquiry into the accident, including the NH-715 condition and compliance with safety standards.

Mr. Saikia said Kaziranga's conservation must be undertaken with the participation of locals, who must receive a fair share of tourism benefits.

Published - November 15, 2026 03:19 pm IST