Fire brigade raises questions about safety at monorail stops

Mumbai: There is more to worry for commuters travelling by India’s sole Monorail corridor —the Mumbai fire brigade, in an observation, has cited that in case of a fire, disciplined evacuation in a panic situation from the elevated train way to the station can’t be expected. It said that one cannot expect disciplined evacuation as the passengers would be of different age groups and of different mindsets.

The fire brigade was replying to documentation submitted by the Mumbai Metro Rail Development Authority (MMRDA) and the project-implementing officials concerned. It elaborated on how one can react or act during an emergency born out of an incident of fire, and mentioned the need for disciplined evacuation with the help of the driver.

The observation reads, “It is not advisable to expect such a disciplined evacuation in case of a fire. The passengers travelling could be different ages and natures. Also, there may be a possibility of another train at the adjoining track, which would add to the number of passengers reaching for the same exit points, which may lead to panic. Therefore, we cannot expect disciplined evacuation in case of a fire.”

The Asian Age had on Monday reported on how the fire brigade had cited that it would take considerable time to carry out fire fighting and rescue operations, which may result in high losses of property and life.  

A senior MMRDA official maintained that the body is yet to work on several issues and these would be sorted out before the commissioning of the second phase.

Prabhat Rahangdale, the chief fire officer of the Mumbai fire brigade, said: “We are yet to get applications regarding fire clearances of the second phase and there is nothing more to share as of now.”