Should Proper Planning of Train Timings Be Implemented After the Mumbai Train Accident?
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Synopsis
In the wake of a tragic train accident in Mumbai that claimed lives, Sharad Pawar calls for better planning and safety measures in local rail services. With increasing passenger fatalities, he emphasizes the need for an urgent overhaul in train scheduling and increased services to ensure commuter safety.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action is required to enhance railway safety.
- Automatic doors on local trains are being discussed.
- Passenger fatalities are alarmingly high on the Central Railway.
- Demand for fast local trains is increasing among commuters.
- Proper planning and scheduling are crucial for improving services.
Mumbai, June 9 (NationPress) Former Union Minister and NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar urged the Central Railway authorities on Monday to meticulously plan local train schedules and boost the number of trains on vital routes. The plan to introduce automatic doors in local trains, aimed at minimizing the occurrence of frequent accidents, is expected to be executed soon. This statement came after a tragic incident where at least four passengers lost their lives and nine were injured after falling onto the railway track from the moving Kasara Mumbai suburban train.
Pawar emphasized that the Central Railway must take immediate action following this tragic event, asserting that essential safety measures should be enforced for the well-being of passengers. He remarked, 'The incident involving passengers falling from a train between Diva and Mumbra stations is deeply regrettable. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the innocent victims, and I wish a swift recovery to those currently receiving medical treatment.' On average, 6 to 7 individuals lose their lives daily after falling from local trains on the Central Railway, which is deeply concerning.
However, he pointed out that it is unjust to place blame on passengers after such tragedies. In a related matter, Shiv Sena MP from Kalyan Dombivli, Shrikant Shinde, has called for the railway authorities to initiate fast local train services from Diva to CSMT to alleviate crowding and reduce accidents.
'Railway passengers are demanding fast local trains from Diva to CSMT, and we will advocate for this request with the central government,' he assured. Previously, fast local trains did not stop at Diva, but now they do, he noted.
During his visit to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa to check on the injured, Shinde highlighted the substantial population residing in the Kalyan-Karjat region.
'Thus, it is crucial to increase the number of local trains on this route. There is a persistent appeal from passenger organizations to augment local train services. While the addition of the fifth and sixth lines between Thane and Kalyan has somewhat improved train services, these lines must extend to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The railway authorities are working on this,' he added.
Shinde expressed hope that local train services will further expand upon the completion of this work.
'Plans are underway to construct the third and fourth lines beyond Kalyan, and land acquisition is in progress. Increasing local trains will help manage the crowd better. Alongside new lines, converting 12-car trains to 15-car trains is equally essential,' stated Shinde.
Meanwhile, Harshwardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, demanded a thorough investigation into this incident.
'The BJP government is fixated on completing the bullet train project while Mumbaikars need efficient local services rather than bullet trains. The railway administration and the government are jeopardizing the safety of ordinary Mumbaikars—this must cease now,' he declared. Sapkal remarked that for over eleven years, the citizens of Maharashtra and Mumbai have been subjected to empty promises regarding infrastructure and seamless travel for Mumbaikars.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this incident with a focus on accountability and solutions. The rising number of fatalities in Mumbai's local trains underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in railway operations. The voices of concerned leaders like Sharad Pawar and others must be amplified to ensure passenger safety and effective local train services.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Mumbai train accident?
On June 9, a tragic accident occurred when four passengers fell from a moving Kasara Mumbai suburban train, resulting in their deaths and injuries to nine others.
What are the demands made by Sharad Pawar?
Sharad Pawar has called for better planning of local train timings and an increase in the number of trains on critical routes to enhance passenger safety.
What safety measures are being proposed?
The implementation of automatic doors on local trains is expected to be introduced to prevent frequent accidents.
What is the average number of passenger fatalities on the Central Railway?
On average, 6 to 7 passengers die every day after falling from local trains on the Central Railway.
What are the suggestions made by Shrikant Shinde?
Shrikant Shinde has proposed starting fast local trains from Diva to CSMT to reduce congestion and enhance safety on the railway.
