Bandra stampede: Western Railways impose restrictions on platform tiicket till November 8

According to an official statement by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), at least eight individuals were injured in the stampede at Bandra Terminus today.

Platform ticket sales have been restricted at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vasai Road, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat stations in the Mumbai Division to reduce platform crowding and ensure smooth passenger movement.

"In anticipation of heavy crowds during the upcoming festive season, WR has imposed temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vasai Road, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat stations of the Mumbai Division," Western Railway announced on X.

The restriction on platform ticket sales is effective immediately until 8th November 2024, covering the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals.

Although the Central government launched two special trains from Mumbai to Gorakhpur to manage passenger numbers, the opposition has raised serious concerns, criticising Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for failing to control festival crowd surges after the Bandra stampede incident.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, described the stampede at Mumbai's Bandra Terminus as emblematic of "India's crumbling infrastructure," stressing that the nation needs "international-class infrastructure."

"Inaugurations and publicity hold value only when built on a foundation that truly serves the public. When lives are lost, and bridges, platforms, or statues collapse after ribbon-cutting ceremonies due to poor maintenance and neglect, serious concerns arise," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

The Congress leader further stated that the Bandra Terminus incident underscores "India's crumbling infrastructure."

"The Balasore train accident last June claimed 300 lives, yet instead of compensating victims, the BJP government has entangled them in lengthy legal battles. When even the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj collapsed within nine months, it signalled that the intent was mere publicity, with no respect for Shivaji Maharaj or concern for public safety," he added.

NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) Maharashtra State President Jayant Patil condemned the stampede, calling such incidents a grave concern. Criticising the state government, Patil remarked, "The government failed to make adequate arrangements. Such incidents are recurring, which is deeply worrying. We condemn the tragic incident at Bandra."

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey criticised the Mahayuti government, arguing that the value of life has diminished in Maharashtra. He added that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, also the BJP's in-charge for Maharashtra, shows no accountability for public safety.

Dubey remarked, "The lives of ordinary citizens hold no importance under this government... More than nine people were injured. Where is the accountability from the railways or the minister? His role here seems focused on BJP's electoral success in Maharashtra, with no regard for public safety."

Expressing concern, NCP-SCP leader Clyde Crasto described the incident at Bandra Terminus as "disturbing," highlighting "failures within the Railways Ministry under Ashwini Vaishnaw. Insufficient trains during the festive season and lapses in local administration contributed to this mishap."

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed concern over the incident, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordering an investigation.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan commented, "It is a very sad incident; everyone, including the Prime Minister, has expressed concern... With Diwali approaching, everyone wants to travel home, so some chaos was inevitable. Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a probe into this to uncover the cause behind the stampede... CCTV footage will be reviewed."

Western Railway CPRO Vineet Abhishek explained, "Early this morning at Bandra Terminus, as the Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyoday Express, scheduled to depart at 5:15 am, was brought to the platform from the yard, some passengers attempted to board while it was still moving. Two passengers sustained injuries and were hospitalised by railway staff. Western Railway ensures that trains arrive 2-3 hours before departure during festive periods."

Abhishek added that additional ticket counters, adequate GRP, RPF, and ticket-checking staff, as well as measures for safe boarding, have been implemented.

"Despite our efforts, this unfortunate incident occurred. Western and Central Railway have issued 2,300 notifications about additional trains. Extra counters, adequate staff, and multiple information channels are in place to ensure smooth operations during the festive season," he stated.

The injured were admitted to KB Bhabha Municipal General Hospital. (ANI)