Odisha Train Tragedy: School Turned Mortuary to Be Revamped as Model School

The government of Odisha has decided to demolish and reconstruct a portion of the Bahanaga High School after it was used as a makeshift mortuary to store the bodies of those who died in the recent triple train tragedy. Following discussions with teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders, the authorities agreed that the school would be redeveloped as a model institution. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik instructed authorities to renovate the school under the 5T Initiative. The plan includes demolishing nearby primary and elementary schools and submitting a detailed report within 15 days. The decision to demolish the existing school building was made after the community voiced concerns that students’ mental health would be impacted by returning to such a traumatic site. The school had provided temporary shelter for bodies after the deadly train accident resulted in 288 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Various stakeholders called for the school’s demolition and reconstruction due to its emotional impact.