Howrah stampede: Mamata calls for greater rail safety, announces ex gratia

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs to the family of the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh to those injured in the stampede that took place on a foot overbridge at Santragachi railway station in Howrah on Tuesday.

"Railways is the main lifeline of the nation and it should not be derailed. Railways must take proper care for passengers. I can't blame railways. Let them investigate. If there is a rush, they must clear it," she told reporters present at the mishap site.

Furthermore, Mamata called for an investigation into the matter citing negligence on the Railways' behalf.

"Two people are dead in the incident. There should be an investigation, as I feel that there has been negligence on the part of railways," she said.

While two people have lost their lives, 14 people were injured during the stampede that occurred when passengers were rushing towards the platforms to board three trains that simultaneously arrived at the station around 6:30 PM.

11 of the injured were taken to Howrah General Hospital for treatment and three others who sustained minor injuries were administered first aid at the station itself.

The Santragachi station is located about 10 km from Howrah Junction.

In the wake of the mishap, the Railways has issued two helpline numbers - Kharagpur: 032221072, Santragacchi: 03326295561.