Bandra Terminus stampede injures 9.
Photo : PTI
Mumbai: A heavy rush at the Bandra Railway Station in Mumbai led to a stampede injuring nine people, two of whom are critical. The incident occurred when the passengers rushed to board a Gorakhpur-bound train, officials said. The train, Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyoday Express (22921) was being taken to platform number 1 from the yard. A heavy crowd was lined-up at the station due to Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals.
Western Railway CPRO Vineet Abhishek said that the train was scheduled for departure at 5:15 am and was taken to the platform from the yard. “Some passengers tried to board the train while it was still moving. In this, two passengers got injuries. They were taken to a hospital by the railway staff present there and they are under treatment,” he said.
The Antyoday Express has 22 coaches, all general class i.e. unreserved train and cheaper. The passengers rushed to board the train while it was moving unknown to the fact that the doors of the coaches were closed from inside. During this, some of them fell on the platform after coming between two coaches.
“Ideally, doors of the coaches are opened after the train makes a halt at the platform and passengers then board in a queue,” a Western Railway source told PTI.
Speaking on the rush, Thane Central Railway Deputy Commissioner Manoj Nana Patil said that the train, for which the stampede happened, was unreserved.
“This is a weekly train which runs every Sunday…The train is unreserved…The normal public can easily afford this train, therefore, there is a rush for this train usually…Our team was present here, but people suddenly rushed for seats… No one was critically injured in this incident…We are inquiring for the facts,” Patil added.
What Arrangements Did Western Railway Make?
Speaking of the preparations to handle the rush, CPERO Vineet Abhishek said that Western Railway ensures the arrival of trains 2-3 hours before departure time at the platforms during the time of festivals.
“The same was happening, unfortunately, these passengers got injured. Western Railway and Central Railway have already issued notifications for trains, in Western Railway. So far 2,300 notifications have been done,” he added.
The CPRO added that the WR has provided extra counters for tickets, there are an adequate number of GRP staff, RPF staff, and ticket-checking staff, and they ensure proper boarding. “…Western Railway is ensuring an adequate number of trains during festivals, and we are sharing the information through different mediums” he added.
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