Mumbai stampede: Railway Minister says FOBs will be deemed mandatory and not a passenger amenity

After the Elphinstone Road station stampede which took lives of 23 people, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that they are turning 150 year old convention on its head and hereafter foot over bridges will be deemed mandatory and not a passenger amenity.

"To eliminate bureaucracy and delays, I have empowered GMs to spend whatever is necessary on safety," said Piyush Goyal.

Railway Minister informed that additional escalators have been sanctioned at crowded Mumbai suburban stations and thereafter for all high traffic stations.

"200 officers to be relocated from Head Quarters as field staff to strengthen ground operations and project implementation," said Piyush Goyal.  

Earlier on Friday, Union Railway minister Piyush Goyal said that a high-level probe has been ordered into the stampede that took place on foot over bridge (FOB) between Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban railway stations in Mumbai leaving 27 people dead and several injured on Friday morning.

While dubbing it as an unfortunate incident, Goyal said he has ordered a high-level enquiry which will be headed by the Chief Safety Officer, Western Railways.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said an inquiry will be conducted by Maharashtra government and Railways Ministry and necessary, strict action will be taken in the matter.