"Matter of concern..." NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil over stampede in Bandra terminus
Oct 27, 2024
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 27 : Maharashtra State President of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Jayant Patil, condemned the stampede at Mumbai's Bandra Terminus railway station, which injured several people, calling such incidents a serious concern.
Criticising the state government on Sunday, Patil remarked, "The government failed to make proper arrangements. Such incidents are recurring, which is worrying. We condemn the tragic incident at Bandra."
At least nine people were injured following a stampede at Mumbai's Bandra railway station on Sunday. The incident occurred on platform number 1 due to a crowd gathering for the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express at Bandra Terminus.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey criticised the Mahayuti government, stating that the value of life has diminished in Maharashtra. He added that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who also serves as the BJP's in-charge for Maharashtra, bears no accountability for the safety of the common man.
Dubey said, "There is no regard for the lives of common and poor people in the state under this government... More than nine people have been injured. Is there any accountability from the railways or the minister? He is here to ensure BJP's success in Maharashtra's elections but shows no concern for public safety."
Describing the incident as 'disturbing,' NCP-SCP leader Clyde Crasto said, "The stampede at Bandra Terminus is highly concerning... It highlights failures within the Railways Ministry under Ashwini Vaishnaw. Insufficient trains during the festive season and local administrative lapses have contributed to this mishap."
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 taken to hospital by railway staff. Western Railway ensures trains arrive 2-3 hours before departure during festive periods."
Abhishek added that the railways have implemented extra ticket counters, deployed sufficient GRP, RPF, and ticket-checking staff, and prioritised safe boarding procedures.
"Despite our efforts, this unfortunate incident occurred. Western and Central Railway have issued 2,300 notifications regarding 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 K B Bhabha Municipal General Hospital.
