National Desk
9 June
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Research Analysist
A tragic incident occurred near Mumbra on Monday morning (June 9, 2025), when several passengers fell off a fast-moving local train due to overcrowding, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries. The incident has once again brought attention to the serious safety concerns faced by daily train commuters in Mumbai.
The accident took place around 9:50 a.m. between Mumbra and Diwa railway stations on the fast line towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Initial reports suggest that around thirteen passengers fell from the train while travelling on the footboard. The cause appears to be a combination of overcrowding and the accidental collision of passengers’ bags, leading to a loss of balance and multiple people falling onto the tracks. Out of these, four commuters lost their lives on the spot, and several others were injured.
Emergency services, including railway officials and police, reached the site quickly. The injured were rushed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa. Two of the injured, who were in critical condition, were later shifted to Jupiter Hospital for advanced care. All others are currently receiving treatment in Kalwa and Thane hospitals.
The railway authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the accident. While overcrowding has been a long-standing issue in Mumbai’s suburban train system, this incident has shocked many due to its intensity and the number of casualties. Officials are reviewing the situation and the circumstances that led to the fall.
In response to the tragedy, the Railway Board announced that all new train coaches being manufactured for the Mumbai Suburban Railway will now be fitted with automatic door closing systems. Existing trains will also be upgraded with this safety feature in the coming months.
The accident has led to widespread public anger and disappointment. Passengers’ associations have raised concerns about repeated negligence in addressing dangerous travel conditions, particularly on the Diva to Kalwa route. They stated that despite multiple complaints to authorities, no serious action had been taken. The association pointed out that instead of adding more local train services for daily commuters, priority has been given to long-distance mail and express trains, leading to further crowding in local trains.
Many citizens have expressed that safety improvements are urgently needed. Daily commuters, especially from low-income backgrounds, are forced to travel in unsafe conditions. While the government continues to focus on premium services like Vande Bharat trains, these do not serve the needs of the common people who rely on affordable and accessible transportation.
This tragic event has sparked renewed calls for better infrastructure, more frequent services during peak hours, and faster implementation of safety measures like automatic doors and improved crowd control. For millions who travel by local trains in Mumbai every day, this incident is not just heartbreaking — it is a reminder of the daily risks they face.
Authorities are continuing the investigation and have promised action. Families of the deceased and injured passengers await justice, hoping that this tragedy leads to real change in Mumbai’s railway safety system.