After terror attacks, rumours trigger panic at CST

But fortunately for the Railways and the people, this time the reports turned out to be false.

Still, the piece of 8220;information8221; was enough to put brakes again on the lives of the people who were still in a state of shock. 8220;There were rumours from people that they had heard sounds of gunshots. They also informed the Railway Protection Force RPF and Government Railway Police GRP, after which we suspended services. Later, after checking out the information with the city and railway police and sanitising the stations, we restarted services,8221; said Central Railway CR Chief Spokesperson Sriniwas Mudgerikar.

The usually overcrowded station was seen with very little commuters. The suspension of services led to the 8220;bunching of trains8221; on the tracks, which sees movement after every three-four minutes. Trains were lined up one after the other and commuters were stranded.

They preferred to get out of the train and get to the nearest station. Some of them returned to their homes with whatever means of transport they could manage. 8220;Why take risks when you know that there is fire ahead?8221; said a merchant who owns a garment shop at Kalbadevi.

In terms of road transportation, especially in South Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport BEST was the worst hit as it had suspended its services. Taxis, otherwise, are crowded at Nariman Point, the business district of the country8217;s financial capital.

Today, their operators preferred to keep a safe distance as the area was being cordoned by cops due to the commando action at Oberoi Hotel.