Elphinstone Stampede: Station Was to Be Renamed After Deity Today

Despite the poor condition of the railway station, the focus was on renaming it after local deity Prabhadevi.

(Photo: Ankita Sinha/The Quint)

The Elphinstone Railway Station in Mumbai was set to be renamed Prabhadevi on Friday, 29 September. However, on the day of its re-christening, a stampede broke out in the station, killing at least 22 people and injuring over 30 others.

Despite the poor condition of the railway station, the focus was on renaming it after local deity Prabhadevi, whose temple is located in the vicinity of the railway station.

This move came after Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Oshiwara Station as Ram Mandir earlier in July. The Western Railways is also reportedly considering renaming Marine Lines to Mumbadevi Station.

Also Watch: Stampede at Mumbai’s Elphinstone Station Turns Deadly

Change in Goyal’s Plans

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was going to stay away from Elphinstone's renaming ceremony, and was only scheduled to flag off 60 new suburban trains.

He was also scheduled to ride in a local train on the Western Line, from Vile Parle to Churchgate.

Railway Public Relations Officer (PRO) R Bhasker said Goyal’s plan is likely to remain cancelled, as the entire Western Line was affected due to the stampede. The Railway Minister will, however, visit Elphinstone Station in the wake of the tragedy to take stock of the situation, he added.

Goyal had earlier refused to be part of the trend of inaugurating toilets, lifts, escalators and foot over-bridges, reported Asian Age.

According to the report, he asked the officials to start providing passenger amenities to the commuters instead of waiting for the inauguration.

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(With inputs from Asian Age)