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Andheri bridge collapse: Five injured, Piyush Goyal orders inquiry even as blame game ensues

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(Photo: twitter/@WesternRly)


At least five people were injured when a section of a foot overbridge caved in over the Western Railway (WR) tracks near Andheri West railway station in Mumbai on Tuesday morning following incessant rain.

The bridge crashed around 7.30 am on the southern-end of the Andheri platform numbers 7-8 falling directly on the railway tracks after crashing through the roof of the station and snapping off high-tension electrical wires.

All the injured, including one woman, have been admitted to RN Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle. The condition of one of the injured is stated to be critical.

Heavy overnight rains and waterlogging in many areas in Mumbai are suspected to be the cause of the crash of the structure, known as the Gokhale Bridge, on SV Road, which connects Andheri East and Andheri West.

Read More: Mumbai | Part of bridge collapses at Andheri station, train services hit

The Railways extended the route of some local trains – a lifeline of the metropolis – to ensure there is no rush at the Ghatkopar station

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has ordered an inquiry into the incident. He directed officials to speed up rescue and restoration work at the crash site.

“Part of Road Over Bridge has fallen on tracks near Andheri Station impacting rail traffic. Directed officials to speed up repair work and rapidly restore traffic in close coordination with other departments. I have also ordered an enquiry by Commissioner of Rail Safety,” Goyal wrote on Twitter.

 

The Western Railways has been updating its official Twitter handle with videos and photos showing the restoration work in progress.

 

“Restoration of OHE and tracks between Andheri–Vile Parle is going on war footing. Expected clearance of Harbour lines by 14. 00 hrs in this section will provide direct trains bet Goregaon-Churchgate & Goregaon – CSMT,” a tweet posted by Western Railways read.

 

The Railways said water, food and other necessary arrangements had been made for passengers in other trains stuck on the route due to the bridge collapse.

 

 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has meanwhile requested for increase in frequency of BEST buses for the convenience of commuters in the wake of the waterlogging and the bridge collapse.

“CM @Dev_Fadnavis spoke to @CPMumbaiPolice and BMC commissioner on #GokhaleBridgeCollapse incident. CM asked CP to ensure smooth traffic movement and also asked BMC commissioner to increase frequency of BEST buses for convenience of commuters. #MumbaiRains,” a tweet from the Chief Minister’s Office read.

 

The crash has affected Mumbai’s lifeline – the suburban train services, which ferries around eight million commuters daily.

The Western Railway PRO said the harbour line route was expected to be restored soon. This line will provide connectivity between Church Gate as well as CSMT to Goregaon.

ANI quoted the PRO as saying connectivity on the fast lines was expected to be restored by 7 pm with normal functioning on all lines by midnight.

The WR said trains were being operated between Goregaon and Virar on the northern side and Bandra and Churchgate in the southern direction, besides on Harbour Line from Bandra to CST. Several long-distance trains were rescheduled.

 

Meanwhile, blame game has already started between the WR and the BMC.

While the WR said the bridge belonged to the BMC, the latter said the crash took place on the railway portion that was the WR’s responsibility for repairs and maintenance.

Quoting Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Maheshwar, a DNA report said, “It was railway’s responsibility to check if the bridge was in good condition. BMC is nowhere responsible for the incident.”

The bridge collapse has forced Mumbai’s dabbawalas to suspend all their deliveries on Tuesday on the Western Railway routes.

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