Mumbra Train Tragedy Highlights Critical Safety Crisis on Central Railway

In a harrowing incident that underscores Mumbai’s chronic railway safety crisis, five commuters lost their lives and three were injured after falling from two fast local trains near Mumbra station on June 9. The tragedy occurred around 9 a.m. when two trains—one heading to CSMT from Kasara and another traveling to Karjat—crossed each other at high speed with only a narrow 0.75-meter gap between them.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a passenger adjusting his bag may have lost balance while standing on the footboard, triggering a fatal chain reaction. Several passengers riding near the open doors fell and either collided with the passing train or were flung onto the tracks. The incident happened on a sharply curved section of track, where the lateral motion of coaches increases the risk of contact between closely passing trains. Scratches found on the coaches and conflicting eyewitness accounts have left investigators grappling for clarity.

The tragedy has once again spotlighted the dangers of overcrowding and outdated train infrastructure. Central Railway officials acknowledged that the narrow gap, overcrowded compartments, and lack of automatic doors played a role in the disaster. With approximately seven deaths reported daily due to railway accidents on this route, the Mumbra incident is seen as a symbol of larger systemic neglect.

Public outrage followed swiftly, with political leaders calling for accountability, including the resignation of the Railway Minister. The Bombay High Court also raised concerns and has demanded concrete safety measures, such as installing automatic doors on local trains and banning footboard travel.

Commuter associations have submitted a charter of demands, including increasing the number of 15-coach trains, deploying medical teams at stations, and enhancing shuttle services for suburban areas. Although the Railways have laid out long-term infrastructure plans—like additional tracks, remodeling key stations, and metro extensions—most will take several years to complete.

In the meantime, authorities are pushing for interim measures under the “zero deaths mission,” including fencing, enhanced CCTV coverage, and gradual introduction of non-AC local trains with automatic doors by early 2026. The next hearing on the matter in the Bombay High Court is slated for mid-July.