Train derailments: Railway Board chief quits; Prabhu offers to resign

Air India CMD Lohani to take over as the board's chairman

Two train derailments in a week prompted Railway Board Chairman Ashok Mittal to put in his papers and Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to offer his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who asked him “to wait”.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on Wednesday approved the appointment of Ashwani Lohani, chairman and managing director of national carrier Air India, for the post of Railway Board chairman. He is expected to take charge this week. 

Taking full moral responsibility of recent accidents, Prabhu tweeted: “I am extremely pained by the unfortunate accidents, injuries to passengers and loss of precious lives.” He