Mumbai Central Railway (CR) announced before the Bombay High Court that it has sealed 145 of the 204 identified high-risk track crossings across the suburban rail network, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce commuter fatalities. The progress report was filed in response to a 2024 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) citing rising deaths linked to track crossings and falls.
The Court, presided by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne, has been examining CR’s safety protocols following a disturbing number of fatalities. CR submitted data showing 293 track-crossing deaths and 150 fall-related deaths recorded up to May 2025. According to an CR affidavit, 5,564 commuters lost their lives in track crossing incidents from 2018 through May 2025, alongside 2,769 falling from moving trains. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms within India’s second-busiest suburban rail corridor. CR has set a one-year deadline to close the remaining 59 openings, while reinforcing fencing, barriers, and upgrading track-side infrastructure. A multi-disciplinary “Mission Zero Death” committee, led by a senior divisional safety officer, is conducting a probe into the June 9 Mumbra tragedy and broader safety lapses.
Officials outlined long-term upgrades too — including key corridor projects at Panvel–Karjat, Kalwa–Airoli, Kalyan–Badlapur, and Kurla–CSMT—scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2027. These are intended to alleviate crowding, but land-acquisition hurdles and monsoon constraints are delaying progress. CR explained that most daytime work is paused during monsoon for operational safety, with major tasks deferred to nightly maintenance windows. They acknowledged challenges such as encroachments, public resistance, and land acquisition delays, but reaffirmed commitment to commuter safety and network modernisation.
Safety enhancements also showcase a behavioural dimension: CR approached nearly 800 offices to implement staggered start times and ease peak commuter loads. However, only 46 have responded positively, pointing to limited corporate engagement in addressing transport pressure. Court proceedings underscored the human toll: nearly ten commuter deaths daily prompted judicial concern when the June Mumbra accident claimed a dramatic spotlight. The High Court has invited suggestions from the PIL petitioner to supplement CR’s action plan — giving a fortnight deadline.
The CR’s partial progress offers a glimmer of improvement, but critics argue more must be done. Narrowing remaining gaps, completing stalled infrastructure, and securing corporate collaboration through staggered timing schemes will be essential. As Mumbai’s suburbs contend with dense commuter volumes, especially during monsoons, railway authorities warn delays are not inaction. However, comprehensive execution, integration with urban planning, and societal cooperation will determine whether Mumbai’s ambition of “zero train deaths” transitions from policy to reality.
Also Read : Central Railways Submit Safety Action Plan To High Court After Mumbra Tragedy
