At least 4 commuters die after falling off 2 overcrowded local trains in Thane

PTI, MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, JUNE 9, 2025 : Four commuters died and nine were injured after falling off two overcrowded local trains in Maharashtra's Thane district during the morning rush hour on Monday, officials said. The incident occurred near Mumbra railway station when the trains were passing each other on a steep turn.

Chief public relations officer of the Central Railway, Swapnil Nila, said the victims were travelling on the footboard of the two trains, one travelling towards Kasara and another travelling towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai. The commuters were hanging from the doors of the crowded trains, and their backpacks brushed against each other as the trains passed in opposite directions, police said. The guard of a train going towards Kasara alerted the railway authorities about the incident. Those who fell off the trains were rushed to nearby hospitals, where four were declared dead on arrival, police said.

The Railway Ministry has decided to have automatic door closing facilities in coaches of all existing and new local trains for Mumbai Suburban, a senior official said. Dilip Kumar, executive director, information and publicity, Railway Board, said that after the tragedy in Maharashtra, the Ministry has decided to have automatic door closure facilities in all local trains under manufacturing for Mumbai Suburban. All rakes in service will also be redesigned, and the door closure facility will be provided in these rakes of Mumbai Suburban, Kumar added.

Officials stressed that safety is Railway's top priority, and all efforts are being taken to prevent such incidents from recurring. Around 75 lakh commuters travel daily by suburban trains in Mumbai, the official said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the railway administration was probing the cause of the accident. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said steps were being taken to help the victims and their families. The incident highlights the need to pay serious attention to overcrowding and passenger safety in the suburban railway system, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said.

The deceased were identified as Ketan Saroj, Rahul Gupta, Mayur Shah, and Thane Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Vicky Mukhyad. Nila said an injured person informed that commuters fell from local trains travelling in opposite directions after some of those standing on the footboards collided with each other.

Responding to concerns over inadequate facilities for Mumbai commuters despite their significant contribution to the Railways' revenue, Shinde said: “A high-powered Railway committee will investigate the matter. The truth will come out, and if anyone is found guilty, strict action will be taken.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. “While the Modi Government is celebrating 11 years of ‘service’, the reality of the country is reflected in the tragic news coming from Mumbai – several people died after falling from a train.” “Indian Railways is the backbone of the lives of crores of people, but today it has become a symbol of insecurity, congestion, and chaos,” Rahul posted on X.

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar said the Central Railway should implement measures like installing automatic doors in suburban trains in view of overcrowding. "The Central Railway should increase local trains on important routes. Necessary measures should be implemented immediately for the safety of passengers,” he posted on X.

Maharashtra Congress State chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Monday demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the Thane tragedy. The Congress leader also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased.