Disabled Man Rescued At Ambernath Station

A potentially serious railway accident was narrowly averted at Ambernath railway station when a man with a disability, attempting to cross the tracks with the assistance of a walker, was pulled onto the platform by passengers just seconds before a suburban train entered the same stretch of track.

The incident, which was recorded on video earlier this week, has gone viral on social media, renewing concerns about passenger safety and the availability of accessibility facilities for persons with disabilities at the busy suburban railway station.

In the video, the man appears to struggle while crossing the tracks before attempting to climb onto the platform. Passengers waiting at the station noticed him and immediately rushed to assist. As he struggled to get onto the platform, they held him and pulled him to safety.

The situation became particularly critical when a local train entered the same stretch of track just seconds after the man had been moved to safety. The passengers’ timely intervention prevented what could have been a serious accident.

The video has also prompted discussions among commuters about accessibility arrangements at Ambernath station. While the exact circumstances that led the man to cross the tracks remain unclear, passengers have raised concerns about the availability of facilities for persons with disabilities, particularly on Platforms 2 and 3.

Passengers said Platform 1 has a lift but alleged that an escalator on the eastern side is frequently non-functional. They also claimed that Platforms 2 and 3 lack adequate facilities for elderly and disabled passengers, making movement between platforms difficult.

Ambernath resident Yusuf Shaikh said Platforms 2 and 3 are particularly important for daily commuters. He said Mumbai-bound local services operate from Platform 2, while trains towards Karjat and Mumbai operate from Platform 3, which is not connected to the other platforms by lifts and escalators, forcing all passengers to use the stairs if they have to reach Platform 3.

According to Shaikh, passengers sometimes attempt to cross the tracks when announcements are made about a Mumbai-bound train departing from Platform 2, particularly when services are delayed. “Platforms 2 and 3 do not have lifts or escalators, making it difficult for passengers to use the stairs. Disabled passengers face even greater difficulties in such situations. When passengers are required to move quickly between platforms following announcements, the absence of convenient accessibility facilities can create additional challenges,” Shaikh said.

The railway administration has been urged to improve accessibility facilities at Ambernath station to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident highlights the need for better infrastructure and facilities for persons with disabilities at railway stations.

The timely intervention of passengers at Ambernath station prevented a serious accident and highlights the importance of accessibility and safety at railway stations. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for improved facilities and infrastructure for persons with disabilities at railway stations in Mumbai.

In conclusion, the incident at Ambernath station is a wake-up call for the railway administration to improve accessibility facilities and ensure safety for all passengers, including those with disabilities. It is essential to provide convenient and accessible facilities to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all commuters.