Over 51,000 commuters died on Mumbai’s local train network in 20 years: Railways

22,481 have died on suburban lines managed by WR in the past 20 years, while 29,321 on CR.

The railways recently informed the Bombay High Court (HC) that more than 51,000 persons died on Mumbai’s suburban train network in the last nearly 20 years.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya was hearing a plea filed by Yatin Jadhav regarding the high fatality rate among local train commuters in Mumbai.

According to the data submitted by both the Western Railway (WR) and the Central Railway (CR), a total of 51,802 people lost their lives on trains. Out of these, 22,481 have died on suburban lines managed by WR in the past 20 years, while 29,321 on CR.

The petitioner had pointed out several problems that led to deaths on the suburban train network. He is a resident of Virar and commutes on the line operated by Western Railway daily.

The petitioner’s lawyer further stated that the data showed approximately five deaths per day of commuters who were just going to college or for work.

In the affidavits filed by the WR, it stated that the administration is sensitive towards each incident of injury and death in their system. “Our efforts are not fruitful until we receive better cooperation from the passengers,” it added.

Clarifying its stance, the railway’s affidavit further mentioned that its capacity utilization is already more than 100 percent, and thus there is no scope in the current scenario to introduce any additional services. During the peak rush hours in the morning and evening, there is a high frequency of trains every three minutes.

The Western Railway said that there has been a reduction in the number of deaths and those who have been injured. In 2016, there were 1,084 deaths and 1,517 injured, while in 2023, 936 people died and 984 were injured.

It further stated that they have ambulances placed at almost all railway stations, or they are available on call except for two stations, Jogeshwari and Ram Mandir, where they are not available due to parking issues.

The Western Railway affidavit stated that from 2005 till July 2024, 22,481 people lost their lives while 26,572 people were injured.

On the other hand, CR’s affidavit stated that in the last 15 years, they have managed to reduce the number of deaths, while increasing the passenger carrying capacity. In 2009, there were 1,782 deaths, and 1,614 people were injured, which has come down to 1,221 deaths and 938 injuries in 2023.

Between 2009 and June 2024, 29,321 people lost their lives. It said that most accidents were due to crossing the tracks, some were due to falling down from crowded trains, while some were due to passengers being knocked down by poles adjacent to railway tracks and even gaps between platform and train footboards, among other reasons.

It also pointed out the issues of rampant trespassing cases on the railway tracks and the existence of slums too close to the lines, which causes huge issues. Central Railway has taken measures to reduce the statistics even further, the affidavit added.