Mumbai’s Harbour Line A Daily Struggle for Overcrowded Commuters
Mumbai’s Harbour Line has long been regarded as the neglected arm of the city’s sprawling rail network. For daily commuters, it is a relentless battle against overcrowded trains, frequent delays, and ageing infrastructure. As part of Mid-Day’s ‘Commute To Hell’ campaign, we followed the daily struggles of two Kharghar residents—Krishna Khadgi, a 59-year-old cricket coach, and Jasbir Singh, a 64-year-old senior citizen—as they navigated the chaotic Harbour Line to reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
Krishna Khadgi begins his day around 8:00 am, hoping to catch the 8:49 am Wadala local from Kharghar station. However, shared auto rickshaws are often packed during the morning rush, leaving Krishna to rely on more expensive private rickshaws that cost Rs 60–70. Despite the added expense, finding a rickshaw is a challenge in itself. Once at the station, Krishna faces another hurdle: overcrowded trains. Trains from Panvel to CSMT are already full by the time they reach Kharghar, and the frequency of these trains is inadequate compared to other lines. “The rush is so intense that even standing inside is a struggle,” Krishna explains. As a result, he often has to skip trains, including the 8.49 am local, simply because there is no room. Trains, when they do arrive, are often in poor condition due to outdated rakes that are in desperate need of maintenance. Krishna calls for an urgent upgrade of the trains, noting that the situation has not improved in years. “The trains are packed, and the frequency is not as good as the Central or Western lines,” he says. His plea is simple: “Please increase the frequency of Panvel-CSMT locals and introduce direct services from Kharghar.”
For Jasbir Singh, commuting has been a challenge for over 45 years. As a senior citizen, he relies on a walking stick, yet the overcrowding on the Harbour Line has only worsened over the years. He faces a similar struggle as Krishna, waiting for shared auto rickshaws, which are often full during peak hours. At Kharghar station, he boards a local train, but again, the situation is grim. The 8:37 am CSMT local from Panvel is late and already crowded by the time it reaches Kharghar. Jasbir, who is entitled to a reserved seat, is often forced to stand due to younger passengers occupying these spaces. “The situation has barely improved in 30 years,” Jasbir laments. Jasbir recounts an ordeal where he had to wait for the next train after being unable to board the already packed 8:49 am Wadala local. Once aboard, he had to stand with his walking stick until he found a seat later in the journey. “The trains are packed, and it gets worse as you move towards Wadala,” he says.
For both Krishna and Jasbir, getting to and from the station is another battle. After a long day of commuting, Krishna returns in the afternoon, when the trains are less crowded. Jasbir, on the other hand, travels back in the evening on the Panvel local, but again faces overcrowding. “The frequency of CSMT-Panvel locals is lower compared to other routes, making it difficult for people like me,” he says. Both commuters highlight the lack of effective solutions to address the issue. “The trains are always overcrowded, and there is little to no improvement over the years. We need urgent reforms in the Harbour Line network,” Krishna says.
The plight of Mumbai’s Harbour Line commuters paints a stark picture of neglect. With overcrowded trains, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of adequate services, the daily commute remains a gruelling experience. It is high time that authorities take concrete steps to address these issues and improve the Harbour Line for the millions of commuters who rely on it every day. While suggestions for increasing the frequency of trains and introducing better infrastructure are frequent, the reality remains unchanged for now. As Krishna Khadgi and Jasbir Singh’s daily struggles reveal, the journey on Mumbai’s Harbour Line is far from the smooth ride that many commuters hope for.
