June 30, 2025: While fatalities from overcrowded suburban trains along the Thane–Dombivli corridor have declined marginally in recent years, injuries have risen sharply—renewing concerns over commuter safety on one of Central Railway’s busiest and most perilous routes.
Between January 2014 and December 2024, 1,025 passengers lost their lives and 1,829 were injured after falling from moving trains on this stretch. The most recent tragedy occurred on June 27, when a 21-year-old man died after falling from a train, barely a kilometre from the site of the Mumbra mishap reported on June 9.
Although fatalities have dropped—from 152 in 2014 to 107 in 2024—the number of injuries has increased significantly. Railway officials cite growing overcrowding and changing commuter behaviour as key factors. “Compared to 2014, carrying capacity has increased by over 25%,” said a senior railway official. “Yet, peak-hour congestion remains a severe issue.”
The widespread use of backpacks is also believed to be exacerbating the problem. “Previously, passengers carried bags by hand or on one shoulder. Now, larger backpacks reduce space and cause further crowding, particularly at the doors,” the official added.
The 15-kilometre Thane–Dombivli stretch is regarded as one of Mumbai’s most accident-prone railway segments. Activists blame outdated track design and sharp curves—especially between Diva, Mumbra, and Kalwa—for contributing to frequent mishaps.
Advocate Deepak Dubey, who lost his brother in April 2024, has called for safety audits and modern solutions like tunnels or flyovers. Activist Siddhesh Desai echoed similar concerns, arguing that traditional curve design does not reflect the realities of overcrowded trains.
However, former Central Railway General Manager Subodh Jain rejected these claims, stressing that overcrowding at the doors, not track geometry, is the true hazard.
Source: The Free Press Journal
Picture credit: Mid-day
