Allahabad Railway Station stampede has shaken us: Bansal

Allahabad Railway Station stampede has shaken us: Bansal New Delhi, Feb. 26 : Asserting that the Ministry of Railways will strive to work towards maintaining a zero accident record, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Tuesday expressed concern over the February 10 stampede at the Allahabad Railway Station.

"Railway passengers deserve safe and comfortable travel. Safety is a mandate in running trains. There has been a significant reduction in accidents - .41 per million kms in 2003-04 to .13 in 2011- 12. We will strive to work towards a zero accident situation," said Bansal, who is announcing the Union Railway Budget for 2013-14 in Parliament.

The Uttar Pradesh Government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the February 10 stampede at the Allahabad railway station, which claimed 37 lives and left several others injured.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had earlier ordered an inquiry by chairman of the U. P. Board of Revenue Jagan Mathews, which was asked to submit its report in a month.

The stampede occurred at platforms 5 and where thousands of passengers, mostly Maha Kumbh devotees returning after taking the holy dip at the Sangam, had gathered to board a train. (ANI)