"The prime minister is grieved to learn of the tragedy today (Friday) morning," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.
He has "announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs.2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 each to the seriously injured", the statement said.
Manmohan Singh asked the railways and other authorities to ensure that all assistance was provided to the bereaved families, the injured and other passengers of the Gyaneshwari Express that met with the accident early on Friday.
At least 20 passengers were killed and over 100 injured when 13 coaches were derailed and five of them were hit by a goods train coming from the opposite direction at Jhargram about 150 km from Kolkata.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels | Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks