Compensation for passengers hurt in train mishap

Mumbai: The Central Railway (CR) has announced compensation and full medical support for two passengers injured after an iron rod struck a Kasara-bound local during netting work between Khardi and Umbermali on April 22.Eknath Budha Thomre (45), who sustained serious injuries, will receive Rs 50,000 as ex gratia. He is undergoing treatment at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. Rohit Nana Sarukte (24), who suffered minor injuries, will be given Rs 5,000. The incident occurred around 4.45 pm when passengers standing on the footboard of the train were hit by a flying iron rod during rockfall protection work, where mesh netting was being installed using a Poclain machine.Preliminary findings indicate lapses in safety protocols while permitting train movement alongside heavy machinery. Work should have been halted during the passage of trains or additional protective measures put in place for passengers, officials said.In the aftermath, Central Railway has suspended three staffers with immediate effect after fixing prima facie responsibility. "Passenger safety is our top priority. Accountability has been established, and further action will follow after a detailed inquiry," a senior official said.The CR has also initiated a review of SOPs for netting work on the Kasara–Igatpuri section to prevent recurrence of such incidents.