Basic Amenities Missing at Bhagalpur Junction: Woman's Life Put at Risk
Indian Railways connects the length and breadth of the country, carrying millions of passengers every day. While the railways claims to provide world-class facilities to travelers, the ground reality often tells a completely different story. A glaring example of this was witnessed at the A-1 category Bhagalpur Railway Station under the Malda division of Eastern Railway, where the severe lack of basic civil amenities has started endangering passengers' lives.
On Wednesday, a major rail disaster was narrowly averted due to this gross negligence. A female passenger, distressed by the absence of a toilet on the busy platforms two and three, was forced to jump off a moving train. Following this serious lapse and the immense hardship faced by commuters, the railway administration expressed regret and formally apologized.
No Toilets on Platform 2-3: Passengers Face Endless Agony
According to reports, platforms two and three at Bhagalpur station lack proper toilet facilities, forcing passengers to cross the foot overbridge (FOB) to reach platform number one in case of an emergency. Elderly, physically challenged, and urgent travelers often find it impossible to walk that far, compelling them to use the bio-toilets of trains parked on the platforms.
On Wednesday, the Janseva Express bound for Muzaffarpur was stationed at the platform. Two women boarded one of the coaches to use the washroom. While they were still inside, the train signal turned green and the train began to move slowly, triggering panic among the passengers.
Desperate Escape: Woman Jumps Off Moving Coach
Realizing the train was in motion, panic ensued inside the compartment. In a rush to get down before the train picked up speed, one of the women jumped off the moving train onto the platform. Fortunately, the train was still moving slowly, and she fell towards the platform side, escaping a horrific accident under the wheels. Porters and fellow passengers rushed to her aid immediately.
Railways Apologizes and Promises Action
Following media outrage and the life-threatening incident, railway authorities acknowledged the serious administrative lapse. The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Eastern Railway stated that passenger safety and convenience remain the top priority, and assured that immediate alternative arrangements are being put in place at the platforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
