In another grim reminder of the daily dangers faced by Mumbai's suburban commuters, two people were killed and six others injured after falling from a moving train between Mumbra and Diva stations on Monday morning. The tragic incident, which took place during peak rush hour, highlights the chronic issue of overcrowding that plagues the city's lifeline — the local trains.
According to a statement by Central Railways, the accident occurred on the Down Fast line, with the train headed towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The overcrowded compartments, common during morning office hours, proved fatal as several passengers lost balance and fell while navigating the train's curve near Mumbra.
What Happened?
Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, explained that the Guard of a Kasara-bound train alerted authorities after spotting multiple injured individuals on the tracks. “As per information received from the Guard of the Kasara-bound local train, eight people had fallen between Mumbra and Diva stations. These people have been rushed to hospitals for treatment,” Dr. Nila said.
Initial reports mistakenly claimed up to five fatalities, but the Railway Protection Force (RPF) later clarified that two people had died, and six others were receiving medical care.
Survivor's Story: A Terrifying Experience
One of the survivors, Tushar Bhagat, a data operator from Titwala, shared a chilling account of what transpired. “I don’t know exactly what happened,” he recalled. “An express train was passing us. As we approached the curve near Mumbra, those standing at the door started getting squeezed. They held onto us to save themselves, but we all fell. I don’t remember much after that.”
His statement underlines the vulnerability of passengers who are forced to stand near doors, especially when the train is crammed beyond capacity — a daily reality for many.
The Bigger Problem: Overcrowding That Kills
Mumbai’s local trains are often referred to as the city’s lifeline, transporting over 8 million commuters daily. But this essential service is also infamous for being overcrowded, outdated, and dangerous. As schools, colleges, and offices have reopened, commuter load has surged, but the infrastructure has failed to keep up.
Despite the growing risks, very little has changed over the years. From open-door coaches to insufficient frequency and limited rakes, Mumbai’s local train system is operating under enormous strain.
Voices Calling for Reform
Passenger associations and safety advocacy groups have once again raised urgent concerns. Their demands are clear:
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Increased frequency of local trains, especially during rush hours.
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Deployment of additional rakes to handle increased traffic.
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Introduction of automatic door systems across all rakes.
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Better crowd management at boarding stations like Mumbra, Diva, and Dombivli.
These are not new demands, but the Thane tragedy has reignited the conversation, putting renewed pressure on Indian Railways and the Maharashtra state government to act decisively.
What's Next?
The Railway Board has already responded to the tragedy by announcing plans to introduce automatic door-closing systems in all upcoming and existing Mumbai local train rakes — a welcome step, albeit one that comes after yet another preventable loss of life.
However, experts argue that hardware changes alone won't suffice. Long-term investments in urban rail expansion, increased last-mile connectivity, and comprehensive commuter safety audits are critical to truly solve this problem.
Final Thoughts
This isn't the first such incident, and sadly, it might not be the last unless urgent, structural reforms are implemented. Two lives lost — and six more hanging in the balance — is too high a price to pay for simply trying to get to work or school.
Mumbai deserves a safer, smarter, and more humane public transport system. The government and railway authorities owe it to the millions who board these trains every day not just to keep them moving — but to keep them alive.
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