A tragic accident marred the sacred Narmada Parikrama pilgrimage as a bus carrying 56 devotees overturned near Baigur village in Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, today. The accident claimed the life of a 62-year-old woman, Sugan Bai Badri from Dhar district, and injured 55 others, many critically. The bus was en route from Indore to Prakasha, a revered site in Maharashtra, when it lost control on the treacherous Khetia-Barwani stretch. Local authorities and residents launched urgent rescue operations, using cranes to free passengers trapped inside the wreckage.

Officials indicated that the accident was caused by the bus's brake failure while navigating a sharp bend downhill. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals with some airlifted for advanced care. The incident reflects the growing dangers pilgrims face on the long and rugged Narmada Parikrama circuit, which sees thousands journey annually under often precarious conditions. BJP MLA Shyam Burde emphasized the need for stricter safety measures and vehicle checks for pilgrimage transporters to prevent such disasters.

The Narmada Parikrama covers over 3,300 km through hazardous terrains, combining devotion with the challenge of difficult roads and monsoon damage. The lack of dedicated pilgrim corridors and safety audits on buses has raised concerns among safety activists and local communities. With the spiritual fervor of Diwali still strong, this accident is a solemn reminder of the urgent need for improved infrastructure and regulation on pilgrimage routes.

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As investigations continue, district officials promised a thorough safety audit by November’s end. Meanwhile, aid and compensation are underway for victims and their families. The tragedy underscores the delicate balance between faith and safety on one of India’s most venerated pilgrimage paths, urging authorities to take decisive action before more lives are lost.

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