Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 27: In a significant achievement for Mumbai’s suburban railways, the number of deaths reported on railway tracks has dropped sharply over the last 15 years, with Western Railway (WR) registering a 52% decline, and Central Railway (CR) witnessing a nearly 40% fall in fatalities, thanks to extensive safety measures and infrastructure upgrades.

As per data shared by railway authorities, Western Railway’s Mumbai Central division, which reported 1,468 deaths in 2009—an average of 8 deaths per km per year—saw the number fall to 709 deaths in 2024, averaging 3.9 deaths per km, marking a 51.7% reduction.

Similarly, the Central Railway’s Mumbai division recorded 1,782 deaths in 2009—an average of 5.1 deaths per km. This number came down to 1,082 deaths in 2024, lowering the average to 3.1 deaths per km, translating to a nearly 40% dip.

Officials from both railways attributed this positive trend to a comprehensive safety push over the last two decades. “From infrastructure development to operational improvements and awareness campaigns, all departments have worked in coordination to achieve this,” a WR.

Key measures include:

• Expansion of services and coaches: WR increased its daily suburban services from 1,007 in 2004 to 1,406 in 2024, and EMU coaches from 10,290 to 17,505—a 70% rise.

• Upgradation to longer trains: All 9-car services were converted to 12-car by 2016. Introduction of 15-car services began in 2009, with 211 such services operating as of November 2024.

• Launch of AC locals: 109 air-conditioned trains with automatic doors introduced to enhance safety.

• Infrastructure enhancements: Several new foot overbridges, 116 escalators, and 71 lifts were built to prevent track trespassing.

In a move to empower women commuters, WR launched the first ladies’ special on May 5, 1992. Currently, 10 pairs of these trains run daily. Since October 12, 2022, seating for women in non-AC locals has been increased from 23.33% to 25.47% by modifying general compartments.

The Central Railway too has taken similar initiatives. A senior CR officer stated that daily suburban services have increased from 1,200 in 2004 to 1,810 in 2024. 9-car rakes have been phased out in favour of 12-car trains, and the gradual rollout of 15-car services is underway.

CR has also focused on building new FOBs, installing escalators and lifts, and improving station accessibility and surveillance.

While the railways reported 1,082 (CR) and 709 (WR) deaths in 2024, figures shared by the Government Railway Police (GRP) are slightly higher. GRP data shows 1,533 deaths on CR and 935 on WR, including natural deaths (332), suicides (93) and undetermined causes (26)—which railway data does not account for.

A GRP official explained, “The railway data focuses only on deaths directly linked to operational causes. GRP figures include all deaths within railway premises.”

With continued efforts in expanding services, improving infrastructure, and ensuring stricter enforcement, the railways aim to further reduce casualties. Both Central and Western Railways remain committed to making Mumbai’s suburban network safer and more commuter-friendly in the years to come.