A tragic accident in Thane’s Mumbra station has once again laid bare the dangers of overcrowded local trains in Mumbai. On Monday, two people lost their lives and six others were seriously injured after falling off a moving train — a grim reminder of the daily risks faced by lakhs of suburban commuters.
Reacting swiftly to public outcry, the Railway Board has announced a game-changing move: automatic doors will now be fitted in all Mumbai suburban trains, both new and existing. This long-overdue safety measure aims to reduce the risk of fatal accidents, especially during peak travel hours when the crowding becomes unmanageable.
What Triggered This Decision?
The incident occurred around 9:30 AM when a local train headed towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) was passing through Mumbra station. According to reports, overcrowding caused multiple passengers to lose balance and fall from the moving train. At that very moment, a mail/express train was crossing on the adjacent track, making the accident even more perilous.
An alert railway guard on a Kasara-bound train noticed the injured passengers lying on the tracks and immediately informed the control room. Emergency teams, including Thane GRP and railway authorities, rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Overcrowding: A Chronic Crisis
The Mumbai Suburban Railway is often called the lifeline of the city, but for its commuters, it can also feel like a high-risk ordeal. Each day, over 8 million people depend on this system, many of whom face intense crowding, especially on popular routes like Thane-CSMT, Virar-Churchgate, and Kalyan-Dadar.
Open train doors — a legacy design of the Mumbai local system — have long posed a serious safety hazard, particularly when trains are packed beyond capacity. Despite years of complaints and numerous accidents, the issue had remained unaddressed — until now.
Indian Railways Steps In: Automatic Door Closure Announced
Just hours after the Thane tragedy, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board, announced two major decisions:
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All new rakes currently under manufacturing for the Mumbai Suburban Railway will come with automatic door-closing systems.
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Existing rakes in operation will be redesigned and retrofitted with door closure mechanisms.
“The safety of passengers is of utmost priority. The tragic incident at Mumbra has prompted the Railway Board to accelerate the integration of safety mechanisms that should have been implemented long ago,” Kumar said.
This decision, though reactive, is a monumental step in modernizing Mumbai’s ageing rail infrastructure and safeguarding commuter lives.
Will Automatic Doors Solve the Problem?
While the introduction of automatic doors is a welcome move, experts warn that it’s not a silver bullet. The deeper issue lies in severe overcrowding and inadequate train frequency.
To truly ensure safety:
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More trains need to be added, especially during rush hours.
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Platform lengths should be extended to accommodate longer trains.
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Real-time crowd monitoring systems and AI-based gate control could help regulate entry during high-density periods.
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Investments in alternate mass transport systems, such as metro and monorail connectivity, should be accelerated to decongest local trains.
Public Reaction: Mixed Emotions
While many commuters and citizen groups have welcomed the Railway Board’s announcement, there is growing skepticism about implementation timelines and maintenance concerns.
“We’ve been hearing about safety upgrades for years. I hope this isn't just another promise,” said a commuter at Thane station.
“Automatic doors should have been introduced a decade ago. How many more have to die before change happens?” another commuter asked.
Still, there’s cautious optimism. If implemented swiftly and correctly, automatic doors could save thousands of lives each year.
Final Thoughts: Safety Cannot Be Optional
The accident near Mumbra station is more than just an isolated incident. It’s a symbol of systemic neglect, the result of decades of underinvestment in public transport infrastructure, especially for Mumbai's working class and lower-middle-class citizens.
While Indian Railways' announcement on automatic doors is a step in the right direction, what the public truly demands — and deserves — is consistent safety, greater frequency of trains, and comprehensive crowd management.
Because in a city where millions risk their lives just to earn a livelihood, commuting should never be a death sentence.
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