Chaos erupted at the Chandigarh railway station on Saturday morning when the prestigious Kalka Shatabdi Express (train number 12006) began moving while passengers were still attempting to board. The incident resulted in panic, multiple injuries, and the pulling of the emergency chain, raising serious questions about adherence to scheduled halt times and passenger safety protocols.
Panic on the Platform: A Desperate Rush to Board
According to distressed passengers, the root of the chaos was an altered halt time. The train, scheduled to arrive at 6:45 am and depart after an eight-minute halt at 6:53 am, reportedly arrived late at 6:49 am. However, it allegedly departed within just five to six minutes, at approximately 6:55 am, cutting the scheduled stop short.
This abrupt departure triggered a frantic rush. CCTV footage from the station captures the alarming scene of passengers sprinting alongside the moving train in a desperate bid to get on. Several individuals slipped and fell on the platform, sustaining injuries in the process.
"People panicked. I fell down and many others were injured. Even the ticket checker was injured. Our bags were left on the platform," said passenger Surinder Singh Bhardwaj, who was travelling to New Delhi.
Family Separated, Emergency Chain Pulled
The situation turned more frightening for Abhay Rathod, who was travelling with his wife Pooja and their 3-year-old daughter in coach C-6. "I boarded the train, but my wife and daughter were still on the platform when the train started moving. We panicked. I immediately pulled the chain, after which the train stopped and my family could board. This was sheer negligence," Rathod stated.
Other passengers echoed concerns over ignored safety measures. Urvashi Kakkar, also in coach C-6, pointed out, "The train did not sound the hooter twice before departure, which is mandatory." Panchkula resident Amit, who witnessed the scene, confirmed seeing multiple passengers fall while trying to board or retrieve luggage left behind.
Railways' Defence and Conflicting Accounts
In response, railway officials presented a different timeline and blamed the passengers. A spokesperson stated that according to the train manager, Manoj Kumar, and loco pilot Hans Raj, the train arrived at 6:49 hrs and left at 6:55 hrs. Data from the power cabin logger indicated an arrival at 6:50 hrs and departure at 6:55 hrs, which they claimed adhered to the schedule.
Officials maintained that passengers arrived late at the platform and attempted to board a moving train, leading to the injuries. The train manager asserted that before departure, all passengers had boarded and no one was seen rushing after doors were closed.
However, the railways acknowledged that CCTV footage shows a passenger running to catch the moving train, which led to the emergency chain being pulled in coach C-6 at 6:56 am. After necessary checks, the train resumed its journey at 6:59 am, with a final departure recorded at 7:01 am.
Enquiry Initiated Amidst Safety Concerns
Despite denying any operational negligence, the railway authorities have initiated a formal enquiry into the entire incident. A detailed report is to be submitted to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Ambala Division. This report will scrutinise all aspects, including passenger safety and departure signalling procedures.
The alarming event at Chandigarh station has highlighted critical gaps in communication and protocol enforcement, leaving passengers traumatised and demanding accountability for their safety.
