The recent stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus may indeed have been exacerbated by an uneven platform surface, according to observations and accounts following the incident. As a crowded group carrying various luggage awaited the train, the arrival prompted people to rush forward. In the commotion, some commuters tripped, which led to a domino effect, with individuals falling over each other and some even slipping between train coaches onto the tracks.
An examination of platform no. 1 revealed broken tiles along the edge in around 26 spots, possibly contributing to the instability. Western Railway crews were observed hurriedly leveling and cementing the platform surface after the incident, clearing discarded items, and washing the area with high-pressure jets. Railway officials noted that such maintenance issues, including tile repairs and pothole patching, are usually addressed in routine drives, though passengers like Kishore Bhawnani criticized the timing, calling it reactive rather than preventive.
The incident, which occurred around 2:55 am as the train approached at about 5 kmph, has also highlighted concerns over unauthorized auto drivers crowding the station entryway, creating additional congestion.
