In the aftermath of a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus, the Western Railway is implementing stricter measures to ensure passenger safety and prevent future incidents. The railway has announced that penalties will be imposed on passengers carrying luggage exceeding the permissible limits for their respective travel classes.
The move aims to address the issue of overcrowding and facilitate smoother movement of passengers within station premises. According to the Western Railway, each passenger is entitled to a certain amount of free luggage allowance, but items like scooters, bicycles, and consignments exceeding 100 cm x 100 cm x 70 cm are not included. The exact free allowance varies depending on the class of travel.
The Western Railway has also urged passengers to avoid overcrowding at stations and enter only when necessary, adhering to train schedules. The railway has implemented temporary restrictions on the sale of platform tickets at select major stations until November 8, further reducing congestion.
The decision to crack down on oversized luggage comes amid a surge in parcel bookings during the festive season, particularly at the Bandra Terminus, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat parcel offices. The volume of parcels stacked on platforms for loading into trains has caused inconvenience for passengers and impeded their movement.
To address this, the Western Railway has instructed that parcel consignments should not be stacked on platforms for extended periods before train departure. This measure is intended to prioritize passenger safety and security.
The stampede at Bandra Terminus on Sunday, October 29, resulted in ten injuries when a large crowd rushed to board the Gorakhpur-bound Antyodaya Express train. The incident has highlighted the need for better crowd management and stricter adherence to regulations at railway stations.
The Western Railway’s new measures aim to alleviate congestion, enhance safety protocols, and ultimately ensure a smoother and more secure travel experience for passengers. The measures will remain in effect until November 8.
