Should Mumbai Rethink Train Safety and Scheduling?
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Synopsis
The tragic incident involving passengers falling from a train in Mumbai has raised urgent calls for enhanced safety measures and improved scheduling from influential leaders like Sharad Pawar and Shrikant Shinde. This report delves into the pressing need for efficient local train services amidst growing concerns over passenger safety.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic incident highlights urgent need for safety measures.
- Calls for better planning of train schedules and increased frequency.
- Passengers are suffering due to overcrowding in local trains.
- Political leaders are advocating for changes to improve safety.
- Automatic doors in trains could prevent future accidents.
Mumbai, June 9 (NationPress) Former Union Minister and NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar urged the Central Railway administration to enhance the scheduling of local train services and to increase the frequency of trains on critical routes.
The introduction of automatic doors in local trains, aimed at reducing the occurrence of accidents, is anticipated to be implemented soon. This statement follows the tragic event where at least four passengers lost their lives and nine others were injured after falling onto the tracks from the moving Kasara Mumbai suburban train.
Pawar expressed that the Central Railway must seriously address this tragic occurrence, emphasizing that immediate safety measures are essential for the welfare of passengers.
"The event involving passengers falling from a train between Diva and Mumbra stations of the Central Railway is deeply saddening. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims. Additionally, I wish a swift recovery to those receiving medical care. Alarmingly, on average, 6 to 7 passengers lose their lives daily after falling from local trains on the Central Railway. This statistic raises significant concern. The rising congestion in local trains is a well-recognized factor contributing to this issue,” he stated.
However, he added that attributing blame to passengers following such tragedies is unjust. In a related matter, Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan Dombivli, Shrikant Shinde, has called for the railway administration to initiate fast local train services from Diva to CSMT to alleviate overcrowding and mitigate accidents.
“There is a strong request from passengers for fast local trains to operate from Diva to CSMT, and we will advocate for this with the central government,” he pledged. Previously, fast local trains did not halt at Diva, but they now do, he noted.
Shinde visited the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa to check on the injured and highlighted that a substantial number of residents live in the Kalyan-Karjat region.
“Hence, increasing the number of local trains on this route is crucial. Passenger organizations frequently request more local trains. Following the introduction of the Thane-Kalyan fifth and sixth lines, there was a minor increase in local train services, but further extension of these lines to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is necessary. The railway administration is addressing this,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that local train services will expand further upon completion of this project.
“Efforts are ongoing to develop the third and fourth lines past Kalyan, with land acquisition in progress. An increase in local trains will help better manage passenger congestion. In tandem with extending the new lines, it is equally vital to convert the existing 12-car local trains into 15-car units,” Shinde emphasized.
Meanwhile, Harshwardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
“The BJP government prioritizes the bullet train project, while Mumbaikars are in dire need of efficient local services rather than high-speed trains. The railway administration and the government are endangering the lives of everyday Mumbaikars; this must cease immediately,” he said. Sapkal criticized the government for over a decade of empty promises regarding infrastructure improvements and the seamless travel of Mumbaikars.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this incident with a focus on the safety of passengers while holding authorities accountable for necessary improvements. The growing frequency of accidents demands a comprehensive response, not just reactive measures. The community's trust in public transport hinges on actions taken to ensure safety and reliability.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent train accident in Mumbai?
The recent train accident involved passengers falling from a moving train, leading to tragic fatalities and injuries. The increasing overcrowding in local trains is a significant contributing factor.
What measures are being proposed to improve train safety?
Proposals include better planning of train schedules, increasing the frequency of trains, and the installation of automatic doors in local trains to enhance passenger safety.
How often do accidents occur in local trains?
On average, 6 to 7 passengers lose their lives daily as a result of falling from local trains on the Central Railway.
What are local leaders demanding for Mumbai's train services?
Local leaders like Sharad Pawar and Shrikant Shinde are advocating for improved scheduling, faster local trains, and increased services to manage overcrowding effectively.
Is there any investigation underway regarding the incident?
Yes, the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee is calling for a high-level inquiry into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
