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Mumbai Bandra station stampede
Overview: Festive Rush Leads to Stampede at Bandra Station
On Sunday morning, chaos broke out at Mumbai’s Bandra railway station as crowds surged to board the unreserved Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyodaya Express, resulting in a stampede that left at least ten people injured. Hundreds of passengers were attempting to return home for Diwali and Chhath Puja when the incident occurred around 2:45 AM. Officials from the Mumbai Disaster Control Cell initially reported ten injuries, although Western Railway has confirmed only two. This disparity has yet to be reconciled, but both sources have indicated that the condition of one passenger remains critical. The Mumbai Bandra station stampede has raised questions about passenger safety, especially during the holiday season when railway stations see significant crowding.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Stampede
The stampede took place on Platform 1 of Bandra Terminus as the Antyodaya Express, bound for Gorakhpur, was moving slowly from the train yard toward the platform ahead of its 5:10 AM departure. Despite instructions to wait until the train came to a complete stop, some passengers attempted to board the moving train, leading to multiple injuries. According to railway sources, a few individuals fell onto the platform after colliding with train coaches or losing their balance while attempting to navigate between them.
Western Railway officials emphasized that proper boarding should only occur once a train has completely stopped at the platform. Despite precautions, Mumbai Bandra station stampede reports suggest that the rush to board the moving train was a significant factor in the accident.
Immediate Response and Medical Assistance
In the aftermath of the incident, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and Home Guard personnel at the station responded quickly, transporting the injured to Bhabha Government Hospital. According to updates from civic officials, several of the ten injured passengers were released after receiving medical attention, although three opted to leave against medical advice. However, two individuals remain in critical condition at KEM Hospital: Noor Mohammad Shaikh, 18, who has multiple injuries and is on oxygen support, and Indrajit Sahani, 19, whose condition is still under observation.
The Mumbai Bandra station stampede has highlighted the need for improved crowd control measures during the holiday season and has sparked a review of railway safety protocols.
Railway Authorities’ Response and Public Safety Measures
Following the incident, Western Railway reiterated its policy advising passengers to wait for a complete stop before boarding or disembarking. Recognizing the increased festival demand, the WR has arranged over 130 special trains to alleviate crowding, particularly for destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer for Western Railway, explained that around 2.5 hours before the scheduled departure, the train was slowly approaching the platform when passengers rushed to board.
Additional measures, including temporary holding areas and extra ticket counters, have been established at high-traffic stations to help manage the surge of passengers. In response to the Mumbai Bandra station stampede, Western and Central Railways also imposed temporary restrictions on platform ticket sales at major stations to control crowds.
Political Reactions to the Incident
The stampede drew strong reactions from political leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, both of whom raised concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure and safety protocols at railway stations. Gandhi called the Mumbai Bandra station stampede an example of “crumbling infrastructure,” criticizing what he described as a lack of maintenance for essential public facilities. He stated, “Inaugurations and publicity are acceptable only when the foundation behind them is about working for public good. When public property such as platforms or bridges starts to crumble after ribbon cuttings, it is a matter of serious concern.”
Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut also voiced concerns, pointing to a disconnection between the railway administration and public needs, criticizing the focus on high-profile projects like the bullet train. “The railway minister is too involved with the bullet train project while people are left to die due to poor infrastructure,” Raut said, highlighting the urgent need for improvements.
Social Media Footage and Public Outcry
Following the Mumbai Bandra station stampede, several videos surfaced on social media, depicting the chaotic scene. Clips show passengers assisting the injured, RPF officers carrying wounded individuals, and others using makeshift stretchers to evacuate people from the crowded platform. In one video, a passenger with a visible leg injury lies on the platform while others rush to board the train, seemingly unaware of his plight. The videos have sparked public discussions on social media, with users calling for improved crowd management and questioning railway authorities on safety measures.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safety Amid Festive Crowds
The Mumbai Bandra station stampede has highlighted the pressing need for crowd control measures during peak travel seasons like Diwali. Although railway authorities have implemented additional trains and ticketing facilities, the incident underscores a gap in passenger safety protocols that needs urgent attention.
The railway ministry’s ongoing efforts to manage the surge in holiday travelers include thousands of extra trips and increased security presence. Yet, political leaders and the public are urging a stronger commitment to passenger safety to prevent future incidents. The Mumbai Bandra station stampede serves as a reminder of the risks associated with inadequate infrastructure and calls for enhanced measures to ensure the safety of all passengers during high-traffic periods.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a recent accident at Mumbai’s Bandra station. It is intended for general information only and does not endorse any political opinion or party.
