WR throw open International Boys Hostel for stranded passengers

Mumbai, July 11 (UNI) The Western Railway (WR) has made all the necessary arrangements for the stranded passengers to spend the night by opening the International Boys Hostel, situated near Churchgate station.

The WR suburban rail service was brought to a standstill this evening after seven blasts at different places rocked the metropolis.

The Churchgate station which usually is jam-packed with the returning office goers, saw the same passengers huddled in groups worrying about the safety of their family and friends.

There were serpentine queues outside the PCO centres on the station after the mobile companies jammed the networks, as the people desperately tried to contact their near and dear ones to assure them about their safety.

However, the food stalls at the station saw a sudden spurt in business as people preferred to grab a bite to eat not knowing when they would reach home.

The Railway canteen operator at the station said that there was at least a 10 to 15 per cent rise in the sales as people queued at the stalls to have something to eat and drink.

Meanwhile, the Central Railway (CR) has allowed passengers holding the seasonal tickets of the Western Railway, to travel on their route upto a station which would be nearest to their homes.

The police, as a precautionary measure, are also checking each and every bogey including the ladies and staff bogies with metal detectors.

The police have also started checking the baggage of the passengers and are keeping a close watch on every traveller.

The Central Railway has also decided to terminate the CST-Bandra and CST-Andheri services on their Habour line at King's Circle station, as the police have cordoned off these stations on the Western line after the serial bomb blasts this evening.

UNI ST/GS SSS VD BD2242