After 21 deaths in 3 yrs, Central Railway yet to put net under Thane bridge

After 21 deaths in 3 yrs, CR yet to put net under Thane bridge

In three years, 21 people have fallen to their death from the Thane creek bridge and yet the Central Railway (CR) has not kept its promise of installing a net under the bridge. CR officials in the Divisional Railway User's Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting, a couple of months ago, had assured of implementing this safety measure but nothing has come of it so far. Of the 21 commuters who have died after falling from overcrowded suburban trains between Thane and Kalwa, bodies of 18 are yet to be recovered. Despite of several requests by the Government Railway Police (GRP) for a net under the bridge, CR is yet to take action. Dombivli resident Divakar Katole, 28, said he saw a commuter standing near the door falling to his death in the creek on April 9. Despite repeated efforts, his body was not recovered. "The fire brigade personnel and local fishermen too were unable to find the body due to high tide and the possibility of it having been carried elsewhere because of the current," said an officer of the Thane GRP station. A GRP officer said if CR installs a net, it will prevent a commuter from falling straight into the water and s/he can be taken to hospital. And if a commuter dies due to severe injuries, at least the body will be recovered and can be handed over to his/her kin, the officer added. GRP officers said they have reminded CR officials many times about this danger and pointed out that commuters stand on the footboard, particularly during the peak hours due to the rush. Many times, their hands slip if a train, when passing over the creek, gives a jerk, and they fall into the water. Nandkumar Deshmukh, a member of Upnagari Railway Pravasi Ekta Sangtana, said, “The issue was raised during the recent DRUCC meeting with top railway officials. However, the administration is yet to install the net.” Deshmukh added that they will meet the CR general manager. VC Malegaonkar, chief spokesperson of CR said, “We first assess the situation after visiting the spot and do the needful as soon as possible.”