Mumbai Central Railway Urges Offices To Stagger Hours To Ease Train Overcrowding And Enhance Safety
Mumbai to implement staggered work hours to significantly reduce severe overcrowding on its suburban trains, Central Railway (CR) has urged approximately 800 offices across the state. This critical appeal aims to ease peak-hour congestion and enhance commuter safety for over 35 lakh daily passengers utilizing 1,810 local train services. The move underscores an ongoing effort to manage the city’s most affordable and widely used transport system amidst rising safety concerns, including a recent accident and alarming fatality rates.
Central Railway has approached a wide array of institutions, including central and state government departments, corporations, banks, colleges, and municipalities, with this request. Officials argue that adjusting work schedules presents a more viable solution than attempting to construct new railway lines, particularly given the severe spatial limitations for adding tracks, especially along the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan stretch.
The urgency of this initiative is highlighted by grim statistics and recent incidents. Between 2005 and July 2024, a shocking 51,802 lives have been lost on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, with 29,321 deaths occurring on Central Railway and 22,481 on Western Railway lines. The leading causes of these fatalities are attributed to passengers crossing tracks and falling from moving trains. Stations such as Kalyan, Thane, Vasai, and Borivli consistently report the highest numbers of such tragic incidents. This alarming data was presented by CR and WR in an affidavit to the Bombay High Court in response to a public interest petition.
The issue was further underscored by a recent accident near Mumbra, where eight passengers tragically fell from an overcrowded CSMT-bound train. In response to such grave concerns, the Railway Board has announced that all new rakes currently under production for Mumbai Suburban services will be equipped with automatic door closure systems, a crucial step toward preventing similar incidents and enhancing commuter safety.
The persistent efforts to encourage staggered timings highlight the urgent need for collaborative solutions to Mumbai’s railway challenges. Prioritizing commuter safety and comfort, alongside infrastructure development, is vital for the city’s future. These measures aim to create a more equitable and sustainable public transportation system, ensuring safer and more efficient journeys for millions of daily commuters.
