The Central Railway has submitted an extensive action plan to the Bombay High Court in response to the tragic Mumbra local train incident on June 9, where five commuters lost their lives. The submission came during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aimed at addressing recurring fatalities due to falls and track crossing on Mumbai’s densely packed suburban network.
The plan, submitted through an affidavit by a senior railway official, outlines that a multi-disciplinary probe is currently underway and the final investigation report is being reviewed. Initial findings point to an unfortunate mix of track curvature and passenger imbalance when two fast trains passed simultaneously at Mumbra station. The Central Railway has stated that no technical negligence has been ruled out, and a thorough assessment involving safety, engineering, and traction officers is in progress. The court was also informed that a series of long-term and real-time measures have been rolled out. The affidavit mentions operational challenges in carrying out daytime work due to high traffic on suburban lines, particularly during monsoon season when safety restrictions limit excavation and repair activities. Encroachment on railway land and delays in land acquisition further complicate infrastructure upgrades.
Despite these constraints, Central Railway underlined its continued efforts under the “Mission Zero Death” programme. It reported having fenced 47 platforms, sealed 204 trespass-prone entry points, and removed over 1,260 encroachments. At high-risk stations such as Diva, a combined deployment of escalators, fencing, and police presence has yielded tangible results, with no deaths reported since August 2023. To tackle passenger falls from overcrowded trains, improvements include knurling on grab poles and extra handles in Siemens rakes. Adjustments in track alignment between crowd-heavy sections such as Sion-Kurla and Mulund-Thane are being implemented to ease commuter load. More than 800 private employers have been approached to consider staggered work hours to reduce peak-hour congestion.
Looking ahead, the Railways has committed to constructing 43 foot overbridges (FOBs), installing 139 escalators, and 62 lifts across key suburban locations by December 2027. Major network expansions like the Panvel-Karjat and Kalva-Airoli links and a new station at Thane form part of the long-term decongestion plan. Statistical data submitted reveals the gravity of the situation: in 2024 alone, 674 deaths occurred due to track crossing and 387 from falls off moving trains. In the first five months of 2025, 293 and 150 such deaths have already been recorded, respectively. The affidavit concludes with the Central Railway reaffirming its commitment to commuter safety and requesting the court to consider the operational intricacies of Mumbai’s rail network before interpreting delays as inaction. The High Court has granted the petitioner two weeks to file further suggestions.
Also Read : Kolkata Metro Set To Open Bowbazar Stretch Ahead Of PM Visit This Week
