Mumbai: Outcry over local train safety intensifies after fatal incident

Posters shared by passengers on social media demanding authorities to take measures in order to avoid life-threatening accidents

The recent tragic death of Avadhesh Dubey in a train accident between Mumbra and Diva stations has ignited public outrage, with local passengers expressing discomfort about the commute conditions in Mumbai locals. Some passengers have also taken to X to condemn the Railways.

The incident occurred on the morning of April 23 when Dubey fell off a running train in the swamps between Mumbra and Diva Station, resulting in the loss of his life.

Passengers speak

Atul Gokhle, a regular local train commuter for years, said, "We need to reconsider how we carry our backpacks. Holding them in our hands is safer and leaves space for others on crowded trains. Let's prioritise human lives over convenience. Ten years ago, everyone held their bags while traveling. We can make this change. I suggest everyone try holding their bag in their hands and you will get blessings from a person who otherwise would have to sacrifice his life travelling in a heavy rush."

The incident occurred when Avadhesh Dubey fell off a running train in the swamps between Mumbra and Diva Station

Praveen Dhole, another commuter, said, "Railways should look into the matter promptly and should take major steps to make sure that such train accidents do not happen again. Instead of AC locals, the Railways should make it a priority to make all the non-AC trains 15 coaches. The platforms have been extended long back."

Passengers on X

Rahul Pandey posted, "A friend Avadhesh Dubey, a student of IIT Patna, fell from a train the previous day and was found dead in Mumbra Bay. The government should stop overcrowding trains and there is a need for more vigilance in passenger safety so that such incidents do not happen. #JusticeForAvadhesh (SIC)"

"An innocent life lost due to poor infrastructure facilities of Mumbai Local. #JusticeForAvadhesh # StopRailAccidents (SIC)." posted Suraj Gupta.

Passenger associations speak

Rail passenger associations have demanded safer commuting conditions for Mumbai locals, highlighting the overcrowding issue as a significant concern.

Nandkumar Deshmukh, President of the Federation of Suburban Passengers Association while speaking to mid-day said, "I have been requesting a meeting with the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and the General Manager of Central Railways for almost eight days now to discuss the overcrowding issue. But they did not agree. The railways do not seem to be concerned about the lives of passengers. I have been asking the railways for many years now to improve the existing infrastructure by adding more rakes and tracks on the existing routes to alleviate the overcrowding but not a single person has paid heed to these requests."

RPF and Railways speak

Dr Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway said "We advise passengers to arrive 10 minutes early to catch the next train in case they miss one. By arriving early, they can also avoid crowded trains following the AC locals. The railways have encouraged private companies to stagger their office hours to ease train congestion. While some have done so, it's not enough. At least 10 per cent of companies need to adjust their schedules to make a meaningful impact on overcrowding and reduce accidents."