Sonia seeks ‘real solutions’ from PM to check rail safety

NEWDELHI: Even as Congress president Sonia Gandhi slammed the government for the “man-made disaster” that led to the Mumbai stampede, serious concerns are being raised about the country’s distressed rail infrastructure.

The stampede happened on the 106-year-old bridge that was identified as “structurally weak”; with the Railways having decided to direct the footfall to the other foot overbridge by extending it to the eastern end of Parel as a temporary measure. However, work on strengthening the bridge had been progressing at a slow pace.

Gandhi said “such accidents could have been avoided, had there been proper planning and concern for safety”. She hoped a proper inquiry would be conducted to affix accountability.

Congress asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide “real solutions” to the problem of rail safety, instead of changing railway ministers.

“The government will do well to stay away from misplaced priorities such as the bullet train plan and focus on strengthening infrastructure,” spokesperson Sushmita Dev said. The party also demanded an independent judicial inquiry.