Could the Elphinstone tragedy have been avoided if the government listened to Sachin Tendulkar?
In August 2016, the legendary cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP from Mumbai had asked the Railway Ministry had “identified high-density stations which have only one single bridge like Mumbra, Parel and others, for additional bridge construction to enhance safety during peak hours,” Indian Express reported.
The Railway Ministry assured Tendulkar that five foot overbridges (FOB) including one at Elphinstone had been sanctioned.
Rajen Gohain, the Railways Minister of State said on 12 August, 2016 that foot overbridges at stations on Mumbai sub-urban sections are “regularly examined and if found justified and feasible, suitable action is taken”.
Not just Tendulkar, Shiv Sena’s MP Arvind Sawant had also repeatedly requested the ministry, which had sanctioned upgradation work at Elphinstone for Rs 11.86 crore. This Rs 12.8 crore tender was set to open in November.
Tendulkar Questioned Mumbai Railways Safety in 2015
In 2015, Tendulkar had asked about the first-aid and ambulance provisions for the critically injured at railway stations.
Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways had then said: “First aid boxes containing essential drugs and dressing materials are provided with the guards of all passenger carrying trains and Station Masters of all Railway stations”, as reported by Indian Express.
Of the 22 questions Tendulkar has raised in the house, eight were related to the railways.
