Latest news with #Mumbaikars
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business Standard
HC flags rise in deaths on Mumbai local, calls for preventive measures
The Bombay High Court on Friday expressed concern over deaths of commuters on Mumbai local trains, describing the situation as "alarming," an observation coming days after five people lost their lives post-falling off a packed suburban service. The court suggested installing automatic door-closing mechanisms in Mumbai local trains to prevent commuters from falling off, but insisted this was an advice purely from a "layman" perspective and Railway expert views were needed on the issue. A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne urged authorities to take measures to ensure tragic incidents don't occur on the Mumbai suburban network in the future. Citing an affidavit filed by the Railways, the court noted that in 2024 alone over 3,588 fatalities happened on local trains (due to various accidents on the suburban network), which means on an average ten Mumbaikars die everyday. "This is an alarming situation. Though you have projected that there was a reduction (in casualties) of 49 per cent (compared to previous years)," the court added. The division bench made the observations while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to deaths of commuters in accidents on Mumbai's suburban network, considered the city's lifeline. Taking note of the June 9 incident where five passengers died and eight others sustained injuries after falling off a crowded local train near Mumbra station in adjoining Thane district, the court observed measures taken by authorities to stop such untoward incidents were not sufficient. The court suggested they (trains) should be equipped with automatic doors (currently they have open doors). The bench, however, was quick to add that it was a "layman" suggestion and they were not an expert on Railway safety. The Railways informed the bench that they have set up a multi-disciplinary committee to examine the cause of the Mumbra incident and waiting for its report. The panel will give recommendations and suggestions for avoiding such untoward incidents in the future. The court directed the Railways to place on record suggestions made by the committee, along with timeline for their implementation. The committee should be open to including the suggestions made by the petitioner (a commuter) for avoiding reoccurrence of such incidents. Besides the disciplinary panel, a high-level monitoring committee has been set up separately and it is working towards a "zero death mission". Based on its suggestions, a number of steps has already been taken, the Railways told the court. One of the steps included building walls and fences between Rail tracks to stop commuters from crossing over. Also, stalls have been shifted from some platforms on suburban stations to avoid overcrowding, it said. The matter will be next heard on July 14.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
Bombay High Court raises alarm over commuter deaths on Mumbai local network, calls for preventive steps
The Bombay High Court on Friday (June 20, 2025) expressed concern over deaths of commuters on Mumbai local trains, describing the situation as 'alarming', an observation coming days after five people lost their lives post-falling off a packed suburban service. The Court suggested installing automatic door-closing mechanisms in Mumbai local trains to prevent commuters from falling off but insisted this was advice purely from a 'layman' perspective and railway expert views were needed on the issue. Also read: Railways mulls non-AC trains with automated door closure facility A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne urged authorities to take measures to ensure tragic incidents don't occur on the Mumbai suburban network in the future. Citing an affidavit filed by the Railways, the Court noted that in 2024 alone over 3,588 fatalities happened on local trains (due to various accidents on the suburban network), which means on an average ten Mumbaikars die everyday. 'This is an alarming situation. Though you have projected that there was a reduction (in casualties) of 49% (compared to previous years),' the Court added. The division bench made the observations while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to deaths of commuters in accidents on Mumbai's suburban network, considered the city's lifeline. Taking note of the June 9 incident where five passengers died and eight others sustained injuries after falling off a crowded local train near Mumbra station in adjoining Thane district, the Court observed measures taken by authorities to stop such untoward incidents were not sufficient. Editorial | Maximum Mumbai: On the city, its transportation needs The Court suggested they (trains) should be equipped with automatic doors (currently they have open doors). The Bench, however, was quick to add that it was a 'layman' suggestion and they were not an expert on railway safety. The Railways informed the Bench that they have set up a multi-disciplinary committee to examine the cause of the Mumbra incident and are waiting for its report. The panel will give recommendations and suggestions for avoiding such untoward incidents in the future. The Court directed the Railways to place on record suggestions made by the committee, along with a timeline for their implementation. The committee should be open to including the suggestions made by the petitioner (a commuter) for avoiding the recurrence of such incidents. Besides the disciplinary panel, a high-level monitoring committee has been set up separately and it is working towards a 'zero death mission'. Based on its suggestions, a number of steps has already been taken, the Railways told the Court. One of the steps included building walls and fences between Rail tracks to stop commuters from crossing over. Also, stalls have been shifted from some platforms on suburban stations to avoid overcrowding, it said. The matter will be next heard on July 14, 2025.
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Alarming situation', says HC on 10 deaths per day in Mumbai local train system; suggests use of automatic doors
Expressing deep concern over the 'alarming and disturbing situation' of fatalities on Mumbai's suburban railway system, with nearly 10 deaths occurring daily, the Bombay High Court Friday suggested that the railways consider installing automatically closing doors on local trains to prevent commuters from falling off. The court said that the 'unfortunate' Mumbra train accident reported earlier this month, in which five commuters lost their lives after falling off overcrowded trains, should not have happened. It pointed out that as per an earlier response by the railways, nearly 3,588 deaths took place on the Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) suburban systems in 2024, and said that measures taken so far are insufficient. The high court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by one Yatin Jadhav, a daily commuter who raised concerns over the high rate of fatalities in the second busiest suburban railway system in the world and sought the formation of an expert panel to recommend measures to eliminate deaths due to untoward incidents. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, representing the Centre, informed the division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne that the railways have a high-level monitoring committee which has a 'zero death mission' in place, and a multi-disciplinary committee headed by a senior divisional safety officer has now been formed to examine what led to the accident in Mumbai. The court then directed the concerned committees to consider the suggestions by the petitioner, represented by senior advocate Rohan Shah and advocate Surabhi Prabhudesai, and place their recommendations on record within three weeks, along with the timelines within which such measures can be implemented. 'What disturbs us is that in 2024, 3,588 deaths took place on CR and WR, which averages to 10 deaths per day. So every day, 10 Mumbaikars die while travelling on the train. And these numbers of deaths are due to falling down from a train, (being) hit by a pole or (due to) gap between the footboards and the platform. This is an alarming situation. This is your data. Though you (railways) have projected that there is a reduction of deaths by 46 per cent compared to 2009, it is still not sufficient,' Justice Marne remarked orally. CJ Aradhe added, 'This (Mumbra incident) should not have happened. But, obviously, these measures which you (railways) have taken are not sufficient… The local train (doors) should not be open so that there is no scope for overcrowding. You should provide automatic doors which close. Why can't you do that to achieve your goal? This is one of the suggestions as a layperson. We are not experts in rail safety, but probably this may be one of the major suggestions of the committee.' In August last year, the railways informed the high court that over 45,000 lives were lost in the suburban railway system in over 15 years. ASG Singh submitted that railway authorities were taking steps under its 'zero death mission', including construction of boundary walls and fencing walls near the tracks, along with partitions between tracks to avoid trespassing and crossing, besides removing some stalls on platforms which become overcrowded, and said the authorities will continue to take further steps. He further submitted that while the authorities are taking steps to improve the system, there are constraints as they can construct such walls or fences only during late-night hours as trains cannot be halted, else the entire city will come to a standstill. Singh added that the multidisciplinary committee examining the causes of the Mumbra incident shall soon suggest remedial measures, which will be produced before the court along with timelines to implement them. Seeking a response from the railway committees, the high court posted further hearing for July 14.
India.com
7 hours ago
- India.com
Mumbai's Busiest Bus Stops That Show The Real Heartbeat Of The City
The money hub of India called Mumbai operates continuously throughout every hour of day and night. The 20 million population of Mumbai lives among its noisy yet colorful streets while using the complex bus-based transit system every day. Mumbaikars choose buses as their preferred and accessible form of transportation among different options. The transportation hubs at this large city serve as fundamental junctions between residential districts and suburban areas together with business zones. The busy transit points combine access to transportation with captivating displays of those who live and work in the area. 1. Dadar Bus Station: A Microcosm of Mumbai's Diversity One of Mumbai's most active bus stations stands in proximity to Dadar railway station near the neighborhood of Dadar. The station links South Mumbai together with the central suburbs through connections with the northern metropolitan area. Each day approximately thousands of commuters stream through Dadar becoming a place that mixes numerous cultural backgrounds and linguistic influences and daily life styles. The transport facility accurately showcases the wide range of people who inhabit Mumbai. The diverse crowd at the location includes people of various ages with different jobs and purposes such as professional workers with office attire and ground vendors and students hurrying to school and families traveling together. This mixture demonstrates Mumbai's diverse demographic profile. Multiple street vendor stalls offering the popular Mumbai street snack vada pav and serving hot cups of chai are present in this area to provide necessary sustenance to people moving between destinations. The nearby flower markets represent how cultural traditions are a main part of everyday life in this city. 2. Borivali Bus Depot: Connecting Suburban Life One of the biggest bus depots in Mumbai maintains its operations in Borivali which operates under the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). This depot functions as the connecting point that leads traffic into Andheri and Malad and Kandivali as well as additional areas. The transport system primarily operates for suburban communities who mostly utilize buses as their preferable method since they remain more cost-effective than cars or taxis. Tourists visiting Borivali Bus Depot encounter firsthand the daily hardships which characterize living in a suburban environment. Industrial workers along with corporate employees who work in South Mumbai form long queues at the bus stops before daylight in the morning. Women who carry out home tasks between commuting with their children demonstrate the multiple roles faced by numerous people. Passengers bond through friendly conversations that create a festive atmosphere in addition to occasional waves of laughter across the vehicle. 3. Kurla Bus Depot (Eastern Suburbs) The major bus stop rests next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus which used to bear the name Victoria Terminus. The site connects traditional South Mumbai character to the business speed of the city's center district. CST bus stop serves both tourists who want to see Gateway of India and Marine Drive and workers from the Fort and Nariman Point professional districts. This location shows the meeting of antique vortexes through colonial architectural styles that contrast with present-day business engagement displayed through well-dressed professionals holding briefcases. The merriment of local hawkers who sell maps with souvenirs while distributing snacks makes the surroundings of CST especially lively, representing Mumbai's entrepreneurial character. 4. Thane Bus Station: A Hub for Long-Distance Travel Another important transportation hub operates at Thane which serves passengers who need to travel through the northeastern section of Mumbai under the management of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The BEST bus system operates within city boundaries yet the MSRTC provides transportation links from Thane to districts like Pune and Nashik as well as destinations across the state in Goa. Visitors who stop at this station can observe the experiences of people who move between locations and operate between different cities. Several people stop in Thane to travel between country villages and metropolitan areas for their jobs or schooling. The schedule of early departures and late-night arrivals symbolizes the amount of work people must do in order to find opportunities in city life. Thane railway station shows how passengers manage their travel needs through carrying suitcases as well as demonstrating their ability to adjust with nearby dhabas. 5. Bandra Bus Terminus: Glamour Amidst Chaos Bandra maintains its status as 'Queen of Suburbs' because its glamorous association with Bollywood stars has become famous throughout the city. The Bandra Bus Terminus unfolds different narratives which portray middle-class and lower-middle-class people living their actual lives. Bandra Bus Terminus enables transportation between Bandra and Andheri together with Goregaon and Worli. The station transforms into a massive living crowd that represents Bandra's attraction for ambitious young workers and business enthusiasts who seek the suburb's multicultural charm. People in Mumbai show their natural compassion for each other when strangers assist riders to board crowded public transportation. A Microcosm of Mumbai's Diversity The bus stations of Mumbai function as windows to understand the essence and character of the city The most crowded bus stations in Mumbai serve as vital junctions that disclose essential qualities of the urban community. Each station throughout Mumbai offers a distinct historical perspective of the city. People sustain their use of buses regardless of overcrowded conditions and insufficient infrastructure which showcases their extraordinary steely determination and brand of patience. Affluent Bandra showcases clear differences from densely populated Borivali which demonstrates Mumbai's economic inequalities throughout its neighborhoods. The diverse linguistic groups and religious communities along with professional backgrounds that use public transport embody Mumbai as a grand representation of its cultural diversity. The informal economy receives support from street vendors and hawkers and small businesses operating around these stations to maintain millions of people. The bus stations of Mumbai represent miniature versions of the metropolitan area because they embrace its multifold elements of active presence with varied demographics and essential interdependencies. These hubs illustrate how people endure each day through competing priorities between their professional aspirations and basic needs as well as through the management of cultural history and contemporary standards and personal independence against collective social interactions. People who want to understand the heart of Mumbai should dedicate time at these active transportation hubs to learn about the combination of city living with human adaptability.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
'Alarming situation': Bombay HC suggests automatic doors on Mumbai local trains to prevent commuter deaths
MUMBAI: Observing that it is an 'alarming situation' that there are 10 deaths daily, Bombay high court on Friday suggested that Mumbai local trains have automatic closed doors to avoid overcrowding It also referred to the recent Mumbra train-fall incident in which five persons died. 'You have to take action so that this should not happen again,' said chief justice Alok Aradhe and Sandeep Marne while hearing public interest litigation filed last year by Yatin Jadhav, a regular local train commuter. He sought direction to Railways to place on record a detailed report of plans to reduce or eliminate fatalities on account of untoward incidents which occur with commuters while commuting in local trains. Jadhav also urged to direct the Railways to set up an expert committee to conduct an in-depth analysis of the causes and trends of fatalities and injuries from untoward incidents and recommend the adoption of measures, including pilot programmes, to eliminate fatalities on suburban railways. Asked by the judges what measures have been taken by the railways, additional solicitor general Anil Singh said a high-level committee has already been constituted to suggest safety measures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo He informed that after the Mumbra incident, a multi-disciplinary committee was set up headed by the senior divisional safety officer of Central Railway. He said the objective of the committees is 'zero deaths in Central and Western Railway.' The judges questioned what measures have been taken by Railways. They referred to Railway's affidavit-in-reply. They said "what disburbs is that in 2024 there were 3,588 deaths took place in Central and Western Railway which averages to 10 deaths per day.' 'So every day 10 Mumbaikars while travelling on the train by falling. And these numbers of deaths falling down from train, hit by poles, or gaps between the footboard and the platform,' said Justice Marne, 'adding this is your own data.' 'Though you have projected that there is a reduction by 46% as compared to 2009,' he added. Singh said Railways' 'mission is zero death mission.' He submitted a chart detailing measures taken. 'What else is required to be done? Do it,' the CJ said. Singh said "as far as Mumbai railways is concerned, it is one of the most efficient, economical, and fastest modes of service which is provided. In fact, there is nowhere in the world where a railway like Mumbai works.' 'The difficulty is we are making a lot of improvement day by day. The constraint is we can do the work at night hours—4 or 5 hours—otherwise once the train is shut, the entire Mumbai comes to a standstill. We have to take into consideration all factors from all angles,' Singh added. He also informed that the high-level committee suggested 'construction of partitions or walls near the tracks so that there is no trespass and for fencing between tracks so there is no crossing. ' 'In some places, we have carried out work on the platform also. As platforms are becoming overcrowded, we have shifted certain stalls from the stations. There are many measures which we are taking,' Singh added. It was then that Justice Marne pointed out 'that fencing and all is to take care of deaths because of crossing etc.' 'What about people falling? Commuters who are on the train and they are falling,' he added. The judges said the trains should not be open so that there is no scope for overcrowding. 'You should provide automatic doors which close. This is one of the suggestions as a layman. We are not experts in rail safety. We can't do anything,' the Chief Justice said. The judges said to take the petition to a logical conclusion, Railways has to inform the recommendations of the committees and the timeline for their implementation. They will monitor and ensure Railways will adhere to the timelines. The petitioner's advocate said the Railways affidavit said they cannot have closed doors. 'But the railway minister after the incident of June 9 said 'we will have closed doors and we are working towards it,'' he said. Adjourning the hearing to July 14, the judges directed the Railways to disclose members of both committees. It shall also place on record suggestions of both committees to avoid untoward incidents in the future. 'The affidavits should clearly indicate the timelines with which measures recommended by the committee shall be implemented,' they added. The judges said it will be open to the petitioner to submit suggestions or a plan of action which shall be considered by the committees.
