Man hurt in Ghatkopar rly station accident dies

Shinde and Rajan Nair (40),a resident of Kalyan,were hit by a steel plate while luxury train Maharaja Express was passing through platform 3 of the station.

Meanwhile,an ongoing probe ordered into the accident by Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS),Western Circle,has found that the lateral gap between the platform at the station and the train’s coach was narrow,which could have led to the accident. The gap was found to be 948 mm,instead of the required 1,648 mm.

According to a senior railways official,“The distance between the platform and the coach is often reduced on the suburban system to prevent commuters from falling into the gap. However,in Mumbai,mail/express trains and suburban trains are run on the same corridor.”

P S Baghel,Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS),Western Circle,said,“We have conducted a public hearing on the accident in the last two days. We are yet to examine the dimensions of the coaches of Mahraja Express. It is too early to say what could have led to the accident.”

Asked if the platform’s dimensions were not in accordance with the schedule of dimensions (as prescribed by the railways),he said,“The dimensions of the platform are also being examined to see if they are as per SOD. It is premature to say it is the only reason.”

It has been learnt that CRS had raised objections about the dimensions of the platform.

The CRS inquiry is scheduled to be conducted further on November 26.

Government Railway Police at Kurla said an earthing plate was found to be damaged in the accident. The plate is suspected to have hit the steel plate covering of the air spring equipment of one of the coaches of train. The loose plate hit the two passengers standing at Kalyan end of the platform. Railway officials are also of the view that the steel plate was not properly clad to the equipment.

priyal.dave@expressindia.com