Railways didn’t act despite spate of warnings

MUMBAI: "Had the authorities heeded my tweets and widened the foot overbridge (FOB) at Elphinstone station, Friday's tragedy could have been avoided," said cartoonist Manjul.

His tweet in February this year had specifically warned of an impending disaster. "Pre-rush hour Parel station. The only staircase which people use to exit and enter the station. A major accident is waiting to happen."

Like Manjul, there were many others who had warned railway officials and the government about the perilous conditions but the warnings resulted in no action. The tweets had even tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as former and current railway ministers Suresh Prabhu and Piyush Goyal. Just four days ago, journalist Santosh Andhale tweeted an image from the crowded Parel bridge.



Andhale's September 26 tweet, directed at the railway minister, said, "@PiyushGoyal sir pls do something related to this Parel bridge in Mumbai. Thanks @WesternRly.