The Government Railway Police (GRP) investigation into the Mumbra rail accident that occurred last week has seemingly stalled, with crucial inputs from key Central Railway (CR) staff still awaited. The tragic incident, which took place on June 9, 2025, near Mumbra station on the Mumbai suburban railway network, resulted in the deaths of four commuters and injuries to several others.
The Central Railway has also launched its own investigation into the incident, forming a five-member committee comprising officers from the Mumbai division. This committee is tasked with thoroughly investigating the incident, identifying the root causes, and providing suggestions to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Chief Safety Officer of CR is monitoring the overall investigation process.
According to officials, the committee has begun studying various possible factors that could have led to passengers falling off the two trains. One of the primary theories being explored is that commuters were standing on the footboards of the overcrowded trains, and their bags brushed against each other as the trains passed in opposite directions.
Adding to the complexities of the investigation, even injured commuters have been unable to provide clear accounts of how they fell. A senior Railway Protection Force (RPF) official noted that CCTV footage from the platform offered limited insight, as the view was obstructed by the trains themselves.
Central Railway has appealed to the public for information related to the incident. They have urged passengers, eyewitnesses, and staff with any relevant details to come forward and share their accounts with the inquiry committee.
Several factors are under examination as potential causes of the incident. These include overcrowding, jostling, baggage-related obstructions, shoulder bags of passengers brushing against each other, altercations, and the curvature of the tracks.
In the wake of the accident, concerns have been raised regarding overcrowding on Mumbai local trains and the presence of sharp curves on certain sections of the tracks. Activists and commuters have alleged that a sharp curve in the Kalwa-Mumbra-Diva section may have contributed to the incident.
The investigation is also focusing on a scratch mark found on one of the train coaches. The scratch, extending several feet, is believed to have been caused by a bag or object brushing against the coach of the opposite train. Fragments of an object found stuck on the coach are also being analyzed.
The Central Railway has not imposed any additional speed restrictions on the affected stretch of track following the accident. Officials have stated that while there is a curve in the vicinity, its degree is not significant enough to be considered a primary cause.
The Central Railway's investigation is ongoing, with the five-member committee working to gather all available information and analyze potential causes. The delay in receiving inputs from key CR staff is hindering the progress of the investigation, but authorities are hopeful that these inputs will be provided soon, shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding the Mumbra train mishap. The ultimate goal is to determine the exact cause of the accident and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future, ensuring the safety of the millions of commuters who rely on the Mumbai suburban railway network daily.
