Central Railway Unveils Bold Action Plan to Enhance Track Safety: A Pledge to Protect Lives at Bombay High Court
On July 15, 2025, the Central Railway informed the Bombay High Court that an extensive investigation into the tragic Mumbra railway accident, which resulted in the deaths of five commuters on June 9, is currently underway. The revelation came through an affidavit from Pravindra Wanjari, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for the Mumbai Division, in relation to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2024. This PIL aimed to prompt urgent action to curtail fatalities associated with track crossings and falls within Mumbai’s suburban rail network.
Initial observations from the Mumbra tragedy indicated a perilous mix of “track curvature” and “passenger imbalance,” exacerbated by the simultaneous passage of two fast local trains. To ensure a thorough inquiry, a multi-disciplinary team was established, consisting of senior officials in rail safety and operations based in Mumbai, including the Senior Divisional Safety Officer and Senior Divisional Security Commissioner. This team is diligently investigating the incident to determine its root causes and to develop strategies to enhance passenger safety. Their comprehensive report is currently under scrutiny.
The affidavit further detailed that the Railways is engaged in a series of long-term structural improvements aimed at enhancing safety. However, progress is being hindered by land acquisition challenges, adverse monsoon conditions, and high traffic volumes that complicate daytime work. Wanjari explained, “The Central Railway suburban system is a complex network… Major work is carried out only during night blocks, while supervisors manage regular maintenance during the day.” He emphasized the Railways’ commitment to providing a safe and comfortable journey, urging the court to recognize the difficulties in executing essential infrastructure improvements.
In response to rising safety concerns, the High Court was informed of several initiatives already set in motion under the “Mission Zero Death” campaign. These initiatives include the construction of fencing at 47 platforms, closure of 204 unauthorized access points, and removal of over 1,260 encroachments. Additionally, targeted safety measures at Diva station-frequent sites of accidents-have resulted in zero fatalities reported since August 2023.
To mitigate the issue of falls from moving trains, the Railways have taken proactive steps such as retrofitting grab poles with knurling, adding extra handles to Siemens rakes, and adjusting track layouts to alleviate crowding between key stations like Sion-Kurla and Mulund-Thane. Moreover, more than 800 businesses have been requested to stagger work timings to ease congestion during peak hours.
Looking ahead, the Railways plans to invest in passenger safety by constructing 43 new foot overbridges, installing 139 escalators and 62 lifts by December 2027, along with significant upgrades to crucial suburban links and a new Thane station to relieve congestion on the central line. The distressing data highlights that in 2024 alone, 674 individuals succumbed to casualties from track crossings and 387 from falling off trains, with 293 and 150 already reported in just the first five months of 2025.
Affirming its dedication to commuter safety, the Railways requested the court to understand the operational complexities inherent in Mumbai’s high-density rail system, stating, “Delays in work execution should not be construed as inaction. We remain committed to improving passenger safety.” The High Court has allotted two weeks for the petitioner to present any suggestions concerning the Railway’s affidavit.
As the Central Railway navigates the challenges of urban transport safety, the ongoing investigations and safety initiatives aim to restore public confidence in a network that serves millions daily.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/central-railway-submits-action-plan-on-track-safety-to-bombay-high-court/article69811760.ece
Category : Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-07-15 04:20:00
