Mumbai’s railway system, a vital lifeline for millions of daily commuters, has seen a slight dip in fatalities, with deaths decreasing from 1,003 in January-May 2024 to 922 in the same period this year.
However, a significant number of the fatalities are preventable, with track crossings and falls from overcrowded trains still responsible for the majority of the tragic deaths. Police data reveals that 461 people died due to track crossings, while 210 fell off crowded local trains, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by commuters. Despite efforts by the railway authorities to improve safety, the issue of track crossings continues to be a leading cause of fatalities. Railways have identified critical ‘black spots’ along tracks, removed ramps at the end of platforms, and are in the process of constructing boundary walls to deter crossing. However, activists argue that the construction of foot overbridges at key locations where commuter demand is high remains a crucial step in preventing these accidents.
The Thane section of the railway network reported the highest number of deaths due to track crossings, with 75 fatalities recorded. In contrast, the Kalyan section has seen the highest number of deaths from commuters falling off locals, with 50 such cases this year. Despite these numbers, the issue remains largely preventable through infrastructure upgrades and stricter enforcement of safety measures.
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One particularly tragic incident occurred on June 9, when five people died, and eight others were injured after falling off two fast suburban trains near Mumbra. The investigation by Central Railway is ongoing, but the root cause appears to be linked to the overcrowding of trains, a problem exacerbated by insufficient alternative modes of transport in rapidly expanding suburban areas. Activists have pointed out that large-scale housing projects in distant suburbs have not been accompanied by the development of robust transport options, forcing residents to rely solely on overcrowded trains for their daily commute.
“The closed-door locals are essential for commuter safety, but this isn’t feasible with the current services,” said an activist. “While air-conditioned locals with automatic doors provide safer alternatives, their fares remain unaffordable for the common man. Non-AC locals, which are often packed beyond capacity, are the only option left for many commuters.” Beyond accidents caused by overcrowding and track crossing, the data also reveals a troubling rise in suicides on the railways. The number of suicides has increased from 38 in the first five months of 2024 to 46 this year, reflecting deeper issues of mental health and distress among the city’s population. Psychiatrists emphasise that the railway’s role in commuter deaths is not just related to accidents but also to the mental strain that residents of Mumbai face due to their daily struggles. “The sense of helplessness, loneliness, and disconnection experienced by many people in the city is often reflected in such tragic incidents,” said a leading psychiatrist.
Additionally, deaths from natural causes, such as illnesses, accounted for 190 fatalities during the first five months of this year. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible transport for all, especially as Mumbai’s population grows, and the demands on the city’s infrastructure intensify. With fatalities still high and preventable accidents continuing to occur, there is a clear need for the administration to prioritise commuter safety and implement sustainable, long-term solutions. Addressing overcrowding, improving infrastructure, and enhancing mental health services must be central to any future plans for a safer, more equitable railway system in Mumbai.
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Mumbai Railway Deaths Decline Slightly but Track Crossings Remain High
