Army to build new foot-over-bridge at Elphinstone Station

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the army will build the new foot-over-bridge at Elphinstone Station, where 23 people were killed in the stampede last month.

"Probably first time we have asked army to come in to build what could otherwise be called civil work, but Elphinstone tragedy was so big. A call was taken to cooperate, seeing urgency of the matter as army has its role at the borders," Sitharaman said.

"Army has come and they have inspected and assessed where the bridge is going to be built, they will be there at every stage of the work," she added.

Fadnavis said the army will help construct three bridges, including the Elphinstone bridge, which will be completed by January 31.

"After Elphinstone stampede incident, we had asked for help from armed forces and Defence Minister. She agreed to help us and three bridges will be constructed by 31 Jan," said Fadnavis, while addressing the media persons.

23 people were killed and over 39 were injured in a rush-hour stampede at Elphinstone railway station's foot over bridge on September 29.

Last week, Railway Minister Piyush Goel has announced a number of sops for the western suburban in the wake of the tragedy.