In a shocking revelation, Western Railway and Central Railway have submitted data to the Bombay High Court showing that over 51,000 people have lost their lives on Mumbai’s suburban trains in the past 20 years. The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by Yatin Jadhav, highlighting the high fatality rate on these trains.
Breakdown of Fatalities
Out of the total 51,802 deaths, 22,481 occurred on Western Railway’s suburban lines, while Central Railway’s lines saw 29,321 fatalities over the same period. This translates to approximately five deaths per day, with victims often being commuters simply traveling to work or college.
Reasons Behind the High Fatality Rates
The affidavits cite overcrowding, rampant trespassing on tracks, and encroachments along the railway lines as major contributors to the high death toll. Other factors include waterlogging during monsoons, garbage fires on tracks, and gaps between platforms and train footboards.
Measures Taken by Railways
Both Western Railway and Central Railway claim to have taken measures to reduce the number of deaths and injuries. Western Railway’s affidavit shows a slight decrease in fatalities, from 1,084 deaths and 1,517 injuries in 2016 to 936 deaths and 984 injuries in 2023. Central Railway has also managed to reduce deaths from 1,782 in 2009 to 1,221 in 2023.
Seeking Court’s Intervention
The railways have sought the Bombay High Court’s assistance in addressing the issue. They have requested the court to direct the Maharashtra government to introduce staggered office timings and remove encroachments along the tracks, especially at Parsik Tunnel. Central Railway has also sought an end to unauthorized sand mining at Mumbra creek and the construction of a parallel road between Thane and Kalyan.
Conclusion
The alarming data presented in the court affidavits underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve safety and reduce fatalities on Mumbai’s suburban trains. While the railways claim to have taken steps to address the problem, the high death toll over the past two decades suggests that more needs to be done. The Bombay High Court’s intervention and the implementation of the railways’ requests could help save countless lives in the future.
