A tragic incident on the Mumbai local train network has resulted in four deaths and six injuries, prompting investigations and renewed concerns about overcrowding and passenger safety. The incident occurred on Monday, June 9, 2025, between Diva and Kopar railway stations on the Central Railway line, during the morning peak hours.
According to railway officials, the accident took place at approximately 9:30 am when two overcrowded local trains were passing each other. Passengers were traveling on the footboards of the trains when they lost their balance and fell onto the tracks. Preliminary reports suggest that the commuters' backpacks may have brushed against each other, contributing to the loss of balance.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the event. One passenger on the Kasara-CSMT train described how "something hit our coach," leading to a chain reaction where several people fell from multiple coaches. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, where medical teams worked to provide urgent care.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced that the railway administration is conducting a thorough probe into the cause of the accident. Fadnavis stated, "It is very unfortunate that a total of eight passengers fell from a local train between Diva-Mumbra station and some of them lost their lives. The railway administration is probing the cause of the accident."
The incident has sparked widespread concern about the persistent issue of overcrowding on Mumbai's local trains. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described the accident as "unfortunate" and "distressing," emphasizing the urgent need to address overcrowding and enhance passenger safety in the suburban railway system. He expressed confidence that the railway administration would take concrete steps to make suburban train services more effective and safe.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Railway Ministry has announced a significant decision to install automatic door closing facilities in all existing and new local trains operating in the Mumbai Suburban area. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of the Railway Board, stated that all rakes currently in service would be redesigned to include door closure systems. This measure aims to prevent passengers from falling off overcrowded trains, particularly during peak hours.
The stretch between Diva and Mumbra has been identified as an "accident-prone" area, especially for fast-moving trains. One possible factor being considered in the investigation is the potential impact of recent heavy rainfall on the tracks, which may have reduced the clearance between trains.
The incident has also drawn attention to the need for better crowd management and safety measures on local trains. Shiv Sena Lok Sabha member from Thane, Naresh Mhaske, has called for a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident, including whether overcrowding, a push, or a fight contributed to the passengers falling off the train.
The Mumbai local train network is a lifeline for millions of commuters, but its aging infrastructure and chronic overcrowding pose significant safety challenges. The recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve passenger safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. The installation of automatic door closing systems is a welcome step, but further investments in infrastructure upgrades, crowd management strategies, and safety protocols are essential to ensure the well-being of Mumbai's commuters.
