Stampede aftermath: Railways creates holding area at Bandra Terminus to ease crowding

Daily 40-50 long distance trains arrive and depart from Bandra Terminus station.

A senior official from Western Railway explained that this newly established holding area, located beyond the porch in a 240-square-metre former parking zone, will help alleviate platform crowding by allowing general coach passengers to wait there instead of on the platform itself.

This area can accommodate nearly 500 people, significantly reducing the need for long queues and crowding on the platform. The railway police will ensure that these unreserved ticket passengers will be allowed to reach the platform at time of train arrival and no early seating on platform will be allowed henceforth.

The official explained that unreserved ticket passengers often arrive well in advance to secure seats, leading to congestion on the platform. In the midnight incident at Bandra terminus, the arrival of the Gorakhpur train led to an unexpected rush, causing some commuters to attempt boarding while it was still moving, resulting in injuries. The holding area aims to prevent such incidents by providing a safe waiting space off the platform.

This prompt measure is an immediate response to improve passenger safety and manage crowds more effectively, especially with the influx of travellers expected during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, added the official.