"Pained, But There's A Path Of Duty": PM In Gujarat On Bridge Tragedy

Appealing to the people to be united during this tragic time, he said we need to take inspiration from Sardar Patel, who carried his work despite facing challenges from all quarters.

A day after at least 141 people died following the collapse of a British-era bridge in Gujarat's Morbi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said rescue and relief operations have been going on since yesterday and the Centre is extending all help to the state.

PM Modi said while he was pained, but also has to follow the path of duty. 

"I am in Ekta Nagar, but my mind is with the victims of Morbi. Rarely, in my life, would I have experienced such pain. On one hand, there is a pain-riddled heart and on the other hand, there is the path to duty," he said while addressing the people at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadia where he paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.

"I express my condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the accident. In this hour of grief, the government is with the bereaved families in every manner," he added.