Mumbai’s suburban railway network is witnessing a significant leap in safety standards with the integration of automated doors, centralised signal control, and advanced train protection technologies. These measures are credited with reducing fatal incidents and making daily commutes safer for millions.
Data from railway officials indicates a steady decline in unnatural deaths on the network, particularly from falls, track trespassing, and footboard travel. In 2024, such incidents at stations fell to 781 from 1,692 two years earlier. Authorities attribute this drop to the adoption of air-conditioned local trains fitted with automatic doors that open only when the train is stationary, limiting the risk of overcrowding-related accidents.
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The city’s rail safety infrastructure has also undergone a structural overhaul. Over 6,600 stations nationwide now feature Electrical and Electronic Interlocking Systems for centralised control of signals and points, sharply reducing the risk of human error. In Mumbai, these upgrades are complemented by interlocked level crossings and full track circuiting at key stations, improving train movement monitoring. A key technological leap is the deployment of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system. Initially rolled out on high-traffic routes, it is now being expanded to critical corridors, including the Delhi–Mumbai route. Recent commissioning on the Kota–Mathura section highlights its growing operational footprint. The system’s ability to automatically apply brakes during signal overshoots has been credited with preventing potential collisions.
Track safety enhancements include the use of longer, high-strength rail panels, ultrasonic flaw detection, and mechanised track laying to cut down manual errors. These measures have contributed to a sharp drop in weld failures and rail fractures over the past decade. Safety devices such as GPS-based fog warning systems and vigilance controls in locomotives further strengthen operational reliability. On the rolling stock front, Mumbai’s suburban system is phasing out older coaches in favour of safer Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, known for their improved crashworthiness. The elimination of all unmanned level crossings on broad gauge lines has also removed a major safety hazard.
Beyond technology, public safety campaigns have been intensified. Awareness drives at stations, multi-lingual caution boards, and constant announcements warn commuters against unsafe practices. Enforcement by railway security personnel has been stepped up at high-risk points. Officials maintain that these combined measures are part of a broader push to align urban mobility with global safety standards while supporting sustainable and inclusive city growth. With continued investment in safety, modernisation, and commuter education, Mumbai’s suburban railway aims to set a national benchmark for accident-free mass transit.
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Mumbai boosts suburban rail safety with automation
