Bombay High Court Directs Railways to Strengthen Platform Safety Protocols
The Bombay High Court has issued a significant directive to railway authorities, mandating the implementation of comprehensive remedial measures to ensure passenger safety on platforms. The court emphasized that railways must take proactive steps, such as making regular public announcements, to prevent passengers from crossing the yellow strip marked on the edge of platforms.
Court's Detailed Safety Recommendations
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Jitendra Jain outlined specific actions required from the railways. He suggested that the yellow strip should be painted regularly, akin to zebra crossings on roads, to maintain its visibility. Furthermore, the judge proposed considering a switch to a "red colour" for the strip, which would more effectively indicate that crossing this "laxman rekha" enters a danger zone.
Justice Jain highlighted the need for public education, stating, "Some education is required to make the people aware and the passengers also should comply with the same in their own interest. As a responsible passenger, there is a need to inculcate civic sense among ourselves, like civic sense among Japanese people."
The court noted that while announcements are made for passengers to stay away from platform edges when fast trains pass through, similar warnings are not given when trains are approaching stations for a halt. Therefore, appropriate remedial measures must be taken to avoid any such incidents, the judge asserted.
Background of the Case and Compensation Appeal
The ruling came while Justice Jain allowed an appeal challenging the Railway Claims Tribunal's order, which had rejected a compensation plea by the parents of Balkrishan Bhandari. Bhandari died on January 29, 2012, while traveling from Kalyan to Dombivli.
Initial reports presented conflicting accounts of the incident:
- The station master's report indicated Bhandari was standing on the edge of the platform and was struck by a local train.
- However, reports from the divisional railway manager, Railway Protection Force, and executive magistrate suggested he fell from a moving train while standing near the door.
Faced with contradictory reports and no eyewitnesses, Justice Jain stated he had "no option but to accept" that Bhandari died after falling from a moving train, which constitutes an "untoward incident" under the Railways Act.
Context of Mumbai Local Travel Conditions
The judge provided context regarding the challenging travel conditions on Mumbai locals, noting that seats are seldom vacant, and "even at the starting point, people have to jump to occupy a seat." Consequently, standing near the door "cannot be treated as negligence while considering travelling in Mumbai locals, more so, on Central Railway line."
Justice Jain added that even if Bhandari was standing on the platform edge, the appeal would still be allowed by holding that his death resulted from an untoward incident.
Railways' Response and Future Steps
During the proceedings, Central Railway's advocate T J Pandian informed the court that following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the railways have already taken appropriate steps. He assured that the suggestions regarding the yellow strip would be considered for implementation.
The court's directives aim to address a critical safety gap, as Justice Jain pointed out that nowhere is the purpose of the yellow strip clearly stated, nor are adequate announcements or indications made to caution passengers. Measures such as announcements or police patrols should be enforced to ensure passengers do not cross the line, thereby enhancing overall platform safety.
