Bandra Terminus Security: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has criticized the BJP after a stampede at Mumbai's Bandra railway station, which he described as a glaring example of India's deteriorating infrastructure. In the incident, which took place on Sunday, nine people were injured as passengers rushed to board a Gorakhpur-bound train at Bandra terminus.
Rahul Gandhi expresses concerns over public safety
Stressing the need for responsible governance, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “Inaugurations and publicity are acceptable only when the basis behind them is about working for the common good.” He expressed serious concerns about the neglect of public infrastructure, noting that “when people lose their lives due to lack of maintenance… this is a serious concern.”
The stampede took place amid a wave of travelers heading home for the festivals of Diwali and Chhath. Local officials reported that many passengers tried to board the unreserved Antyodaya Express train when it arrived at Platform No. 1.
Bandra Terminus stamped details
The Western Railway confirmed that the stampede occurred at 2.45am as the train moved “slowly” from the yard to the platform. “During this time, some passengers attempted to board the moving train, leading to an accident in which two passengers fell and were injured,” the statement said. While the Western Railway reported two injuries, Mumbai's disaster management cell said nine people were affected.
Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and Home Guard officers responded quickly and shifted the injured to nearby Bhabha Government Hospital where they were reported stable.
Call for better infrastructure
Recalling the tragic train accident in Balasore in June last year in which 300 lives were lost, Gandhi accused the BJP government of failing to adequately compensate the victims. He remarked, “Imagine even a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj toppling in just nine months; it clearly means it was just publicity.”
He emphasized the urgent need for an “infrastructure of international standard” that meets the local needs of the poor, making business operations easy and travel safe. “India is capable and competent – we just need an effective and transparent system focused on public service delivery,” he added.
As the country grapples with ongoing concerns over infrastructure safety, the Bandra railway station incident serves as a critical reminder of the challenges ahead in ensuring public safety and service delivery.