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Bandra Terminus Safety: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has criticised the BJP following a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra railway station, which he described as a stark example of India\u2019s deteriorating infrastructure. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, left nine people injured as passengers rushed to board a Gorakhpur-bound train at Bandra terminus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted the need for responsible governance, stating, \u201cInaugurations and publicity are acceptable only when the foundation behind them is about working for public good.\u201d He expressed serious concern over the neglect of public infrastructure, noting that \u201cwhen people lose their lives due to a lack of maintenance… it is a matter of serious concern.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The stampede took place amid a surge of travellers heading home for the Diwali and Chhath festivals. Local officials reported that many passengers attempted to board the unreserved Antyodaya Express train as it arrived at platform No. 1.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Western Railway confirmed that the stampede occurred at 2:45 AM as the train was “slowly moving” from the yard to the platform. \u201cDuring this time, some passengers attempted to board the moving train, leading to an accident where two passengers fell and got injured,\u201d the statement detailed. Although the Western Railway reported two injuries, Mumbai’s disaster control cell indicated that nine people were affected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and Home Guard officers responded swiftly, taking the injured to the nearby Bhabha Government Hospital, where they were reported stable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Gandhi recalled the tragic Balasore train accident in June last year, where 300 lives were lost, accusing the BJP government of failing to adequately compensate the victims. He remarked, \u201cImagine when even a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj falls down in just nine months; it clearly means the intention was only publicity.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
He emphasised the urgent need for “international-class infrastructure” that caters to the local needs of the poor, making business operations easy and travel safe. \u201cIndia is capable and competent \u2014 we just need an effective and transparent system aimed at public service,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
As the country grapples with ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety, the incident at Bandra railway station serves as a critical reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in ensuring public safety and service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n