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Key Points

Maharashtra's chief minister acknowledged systemic failures after four passengers died in a rush-hour train overcrowding incident. The government plans to introduce AC trains and redesign carriages with better ventilation by 2026. Railway officials are working on automatic door mechanisms to prevent future tragedies. This comes as Mumbai's aging rail network struggles to handle its 8 million daily commuters.

Key Points: Fadnavis Vows Mumbai Railway Upgrades After Mumbra Train Tragedy

  • Fadnavis admits Mumbai's rail capacity struggles during rush hours
  • New non-AC trains with ventilation fixes planned by 2026
  • 238 AC suburban trains underway to ease congestion
  • Four killed in Mumbra station overcrowding incident
3 min read

During peak hours, our carrying capacity is low; will work to strengthen that: Maharashtra CM on Mumbai train mishap

Maharashtra CM pledges infrastructure boost after 4 die in overcrowded Mumbai train, with AC trains and automatic doors planned by 2026.

"During peak hours, our carrying capacity is low. We will work to strengthen that. - Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, June 10

After a tragic incident at Mumbra railway station where four people were killed and several others injured at Mumbra railway station due to excessive crowding on a train, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday acknowledged the state's limited carrying capacity during peak hours. He emphasised the need to strengthen the railway infrastructure to address this issue.

"In the last 11 years, PM Modi's government has invested a large amount in Mumbai's suburban region in passenger amenities, broadening of roads, escalators, drinking water facility or new signalling. However, it is true that during the peak hours, our carrying capacity is low. So, we need to strengthen that. We will work on this," said Fadnavis.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the Railway Minister's efforts to enhance safety and comfort in suburban trains.

"Our Railway Minister has emphasised that as these trains do not have a door, the possibility of an accident is high. So, he will work to put doors in such trains. Ventilation will also be taken care of. Efforts are underway to bring AC trains to suburban Mumbai, and planning is also going on to ensure that the passengers do not have to bear the heavy burden of ticket charges," the Maharashtra CM added.

Four passengers died after falling from an excessively crowded train at Mumbra railway station in Thane district on Monday, an official from Central Railways said.

"Out of the 13 people who were injured in the incident, four people have lost their lives, and four others are under medical treatment," CPRO, Central Railway, Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, told ANI.

Passengers travelling on the footboard on a local train from Kasara and similarly those on a train going towards CSMT, collided with each other and fell.

Earlier on Monday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held a meeting with Railway Board officials and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) team to address passenger safety in non-AC local trains.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Railways, the purpose was to find a practical solution to the issue of automatic door closing in local non-AC trains in Mumbai. The major issue with automatic door closing in non-AC trains is suffocation because of reduced ventilation.

"After detailed discussions, it was decided that new non-AC trains will be designed and manufactured where the key issue of ventilation will be resolved using three design changes-- First, the doors will have louvres. Second, coaches will have roof-mounted ventilation units to pump in fresh air. And third, the coaches will have vestibules so that passengers can move from one coach to another and balance out the crowd in a natural way," the statement stated.

"The first train of this new design will be ready by November 2025. After necessary tests and certification, it will be put into service by January 2026. This is in addition to the 238 AC trains being manufactured for Mumbai suburban services," the Ministry of Railways said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Tragic incident that could have been avoided. As a daily commuter, I can confirm the situation is worse than what's reported. The authorities keep promising improvements but we need immediate solutions, not plans for 2026! Why can't they speed up the process? 😤
P
Priya M.
The AC train initiative is good but what about affordability? Most Mumbaikars can't afford AC fares daily. The government must balance modernization with keeping public transport accessible to all income groups. Safety shouldn't be a luxury.
A
Amit S.
While the government is taking steps, we passengers also need to be more responsible. I've seen people hanging from doors even when there's space inside. Strict enforcement of safety rules is needed along with infrastructure upgrades.
N
Neha T.
The roof-mounted ventilation idea is innovative! But why does everything take so long in our country? 2026 is too far when people are dying today. Can't they implement some temporary measures like crowd control during peak hours?
S
Sanjay P.
As someone who moved to Mumbai recently, the local train experience is shocking compared to other metro cities. The government should learn from Delhi Metro's crowd management. More trains and better frequency could solve half the problems.
M
Meena R.
My heart goes out to the victims' families. We've been hearing about railway upgrades for decades. The real issue is Mumbai's lopsided development - everyone has to travel to South Mumbai for work. Decentralization of offices is the long-term solution.

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