Two first-year BSc nursing students from Kerala died on Sunday afternoon after they were allegedly struck by a passing Vande Bharat Express near Chikkabanavara railway station on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The incident has triggered grief on their college campus and raised fresh concerns over pedestrian movement along railway tracks in the rapidly urbanising belt
The Government Railway Police (GRP), Karnataka, identified the deceased as Sterlin Eliza Shaji (19) and Justin Joseph (20), both from Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. They were enrolled at Sapthagiri College of Nursing and lived in a nearby paying guest accommodation.
Students were walking near the tracks, say officials
According to GRP officials investigating the case, the two students had reportedly been walking along the railway track stretch near the Chikkabanavara–Lottegollahalli section when the train approached. Preliminary information suggests that they may not have been aware of the incoming high-speed express.
Railway authorities said the Vande Bharat Express was on its scheduled route and the loco pilot alerted control after spotting individuals on the track. Standard operational procedures were followed thereafter, including alerting the station and the GRP.
The exact circumstances leading up to the incident — including why the students were near the track and whether they were attempting to cross — are under verification. Statements from local residents, railway staff and fellow students are being recorded.
Bodies taken for post-mortem
Emergency responders and GRP personnel reached the spot shortly after receiving information. The bodies were shifted to a nearby government hospital for post-mortem examination as part of mandatory legal procedure. The families of both students have been informed, and arrangements are being made to transport the bodies to Kerala.
A senior GRP official said that a case of unnatural death has been registered and the investigation will factor in train timings, CCTV footage from railway installations and accounts from the loco pilot.
Sapthagiri College expresses shock
The management of Sapthagiri College said they were “deeply shocked” by the deaths of their first-year students. Faculty members and classmates who were informed about the tragedy said the two were among the newer entrants to the programme and had moved to Bengaluru only a few months ago.
The college has stated that it will offer assistance to the families as they travel to the city and has also opened counselling support for affected students.
Rising concerns over railway track safety
The death of the two students has brought renewed attention to railway safety in Bengaluru’s expanding peripheral zones. The Chikkabanavara area, located near major educational institutions and dense residential pockets, sees considerable pedestrian traffic along informal crossing points.
Railway officials have repeatedly urged the public to avoid walking near or crossing railway tracks, noting that high-speed trains such as Vande Bharat make it more dangerous for individuals misjudging distances or underestimating train speeds.
Urban planners point out that unauthorised pedestrian crossings remain a persistent issue in suburban Bengaluru where railway tracks often cut through residential localities, and the lack of designated foot overbridges or underpasses leads to high-risk behaviour.
Families expected to arrive in Bengaluru
Relatives of both Sterlin and Justin are expected to arrive in Bengaluru shortly. Local support groups from the Kerala community in the city are coordinating assistance, including accommodation and logistics for the grieving families.
Police said that further details will be shared once the post-mortem is completed and preliminary inquiries progress.