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’s deteriorating infrastructure. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, left nine people injured as passengers rushed to board a Gorakhpur-bound train at Bandra terminus.

Rahul Gandhi Expresses Concerns Over Public Safety

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted the need for responsible governance, stating, “Inaugurations and publicity are acceptable only when the foundation behind them is about working for public good.” He expressed serious concern over the neglect of public infrastructure, noting that “when people lose their lives due to a lack of maintenance… it is a matter of serious concern.”

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.

Bandra Terminus Stampeded Details

The Western Railway confirmed that the stampede occurred at 2:45 AM as the train was “slowly moving” from the yard to the platform. “During this time, some passengers attempted to board the moving train, leading to an accident where two passengers fell and got injured,” the statement detailed. Although the Western Railway reported two injuries, Mumbai’s disaster control cell indicated that nine people were affected.

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.

Call for Improved Infrastructure

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, “Imagine when even a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj falls down in just nine months; it clearly means the intention was only publicity.”

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. “India is capable and competent — we just need an effective and transparent system aimed at public service,” he added.

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.

Bandra Terminus Stampede: On Sunday, chaos erupted at Bandra railway station in Mumbai when a stampede occurred as passengers hurried to board the Gorakhpur-bound Antyodaya Express. Hitting out at Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, “Wish the reel minister was a rail minister for once. The incident at Bandra only reflects how incapable the current Railways Minister is.”

Reports indicate that nine people were injured during the incident, highlighting ongoing concerns about passenger safety during peak travel times.

Bandra Terminus Stampede: Political Reactions

Aaditya Thackeray seized the opportunity to criticise Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, stating, “The incident at Bandra only reflects how incapable the current Railways Minister is.” Thackeray further mocked the minister’s focus on promotional activities, suggesting, “Wish the reel minister was a rail minister for once.”

“The BJP has made Ashwini Vaishnav ji, a prabhari for BJP Maharashtra for elections, but every week there are some incidents and accidents that occur with the railways. Such a shame that our country has been forced under such incapable ministers.” Thackeray added.

Thackeray’s sentiments were echoed by MP Sanjay Raut, who accused Vaishnaw of prioritising the bullet train project over the safety of Mumbai passengers. He lamented, “Passengers in Mumbai are being ignored” amidst the ongoing railway incidents.

Bandra Terminus Stampede: Details of the Incident

The stampede took place around 2:45 AM on platform number one as passengers attempted to board the moving train, which was slowly making its way from the Bandra Terminus yard to the platform. According to the Western Railway, “During this time, some passengers on the platform attempted to board the moving train, leading to an accident where two passengers fell and got injured.”

Despite the Western Railway reporting only two injuries, local authorities, including the Mumbai disaster control cell, confirmed that nine individuals suffered injuries during the rush.

Bandra Terminus Stampede: Injuries and Ongoing Treatment

Among those injured are Shabhir Abdul Rehman (40), Parmeshwar Sukhdar Gupta (28), Ravindra Harihar Chuma (30), Ramsevak Ravindra Prasad Prajapati (29), Sanjay Tilakram Kangay (27), Divyanshu Yogendra Yadav (18), Mohammad Shareef Shaikh (25), Indrajith Sahani (19), and Noor Mohammad Shaikh (18). Reports indicate that Sahani and Noor Mohammad Sheikh are in critical condition and receiving treatment at Bhabha Hospital.

Bandra Terminus Stampede: Safety Warnings and Festival Travel

In light of the incident and the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, the Western Railway is operating over 130 special trains to accommodate the surge in passenger numbers, especially towards Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

However, the railway authorities have urged travellers to adhere to safety protocols: “Passengers are advised not to board or alight from moving trains, as it is dangerous.”