Over 70 lakh passengers use 129 stations, of which CR has 91 stations with 9 ambulances while WR has 38 stations with 4 ambulances; GRP requests more
Over 70 lakh passengers use 129 stations, of which CR has 91 stations with 9 ambulances while WR has 38 stations with 4 ambulances; GRP requests more
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Emergency medical services are the lifeline of accident victims, but surprisingly the railways have only 13 ambulances for 70 lakh passengers passing through 129 suburban railway stations each day. 
An ambulance is parked at the Western Railway office outside Churchgate station
Social workers and NGOs have voiced concern on several occasions, but have failed to achieve anything.
Hopefully, the written request by the Government Railway Police (GRP) to railway authorities to increase the number of ambulances in its fleet may have a different effect.
The letter from the GRP indicates that Central Railway (CR) has 91 stations and 9 ambulances, and Western Railway (WR) has 38 stations with 4 ambulances.
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The 9 stations of CR include CST, Dadar, Sion, Vidyavihar, Kurla, Thane, Dombivli, Wadala and Vashi, while WR stations include Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Borivli.
A ray of hope
Raj Khilnani, DGP (GRP) said, "There is urgent need for ambulances at railway stations and if one at every station is not possible, then have at least one at every alternate station."
Khilnani also said that railways should work with NGOs and also hold refresher courses in first aid for GRP and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, to prepare them for medical emergencies.
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"Every day, nearly 10 people die onu00a0 the tracks and most accidents occur during peak hours. If NGOs can offer services during these times, they are welcome to position their ambulances at railway stations," added Khilnani.
The areas in and around railway stations witness several accidents everyday and as a result of limited or no medical assistance, passengers die.
According to railway officials, they sometimes make alternative transport arrangements when ambulances are not available or delayed.
The station masters are authorised to withdraw an amount of Rs 750 from the station earnings without waiting for approval for the purpose of hiring taxis and ambulances.
Ambulances 24x7
AK Singh, PRO, CR said, "Apart from railway ambulances, there are NGO ambulances as well as the 1298 ambulance service available 24x7.
Besides this, the station master has been given impress amount, which can be used in times of emergency. We also have first aid boxes at all railway stations and victims are rushed to hospitals without delay. Commuters who fall off trains or are run over now have a better chance of survival."
Sharat Chandrayan, Chief PRO, WR, said, "Impress amount has been given to the station master and an unlimited amount of fund can be released for the medical services when an accident victim is taken to the nearest hospital, and also we have 11 ambulances and not 4.
Samir Zaveri, director, Mumbai Suburban Railway Passenger, said, "There are no ambulances available and if we do see any, they are not used to carry victims.
The railways should understand that these facilities are available for victims and not for ornamental purposes. On several occasions, because of the unavailability of professional medical assistance, victims are tended to by inexperienced persons, and more often succumb to injuries."
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