A train wreck in India has killed 40 people and left over 150 others injured. A Gorakhpur Express passenger train collided with a stationary goods train in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populated state. Before colliding with the goods train, the passenger train derailed.

At least six of the cars connected to the passenger train collided with the goods train, killing or injuring many people onboard. The train’s driver and assistant driver were among those who were injured during the accident.

India has one of the world’s largest railroad networks and at least 18 million people travel on trains in India each day. Unfortunately, India has a failing infrastructure that is in need of work. Many of the railways and highways in India are old and need to be repaired or rebuilt.

Narendra Modi, India’s newly sworn-in prime minister, is aware of this problem and has vowed to make the railways and highways safer for travelers. He has promised to build new inter-state highways and a network of bullet trains. He also plans to work on electricity shortages, which are also a big problem in India.

Modi offered his condolences to the victims of the train crash and their families on Twitter.

My condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the Gorakhdham express tragedy. Prayers with the injured.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2014

Spoke to the Cabinet Secretary. Asked him to take an overview of the situation & ensure timely assistance to those injured.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2014

The accident has only fueled his desires to improve India’s infrastructure so similar accidents can be avoided in the future.

Just a few weeks ago another train crash claimed the lives of 19 people and left 130 people injured.

How do you think Modi can improve the railways and avoid future train crashes and derailments?

Image via Wikimedia Commons