Local trains to have automatic doors after Thane tragedy

Following the tragic Mumbai local train mishap on Monday morning, in which four passengers lost their lives and nine others were injured, the Railway Ministry has announced key safety measures aimed at preventing such incidents in the future. 

Among the proposed steps is the installation of automatic door systems on new suburban train lines, while existing suburban trains will undergo retrofitting to incorporate redesigned safety doors.

The horrific incident occurred between Mumbra and Diva stations during rush hour when two overcrowded local trains passed each other on parallel tracks. Several commuters, who were hanging outside the train doors due to overcrowding, fell from the moving train, leading to a high-casualty scene. Four passengers died, with nine passengers seriously injured and rushed to Shivaji Hospital and Thane Civil Hospital for urgent medical care.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his sorrow in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Deeply pained by the incident where 8 passengers fell from a local train between Diva and Mumbra stations, unfortunately leading to loss of lives. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We stand with them in this difficult time.”

He further stated that the local administration is actively coordinating rescue and treatment efforts, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Railway Department has launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause and assess accountability.

Speaking on the matter, Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, said, there has been an incident where eight people travelling on local trains from Mumbra to Diva fell down. The guard of a Kasara-bound local train reported this incident. These people have been rushed to the hospital for their treatment.

In response to mounting safety concerns, the Railway Ministry is now fast-tracking the integration of automated door systems across Mumbai’s high-traffic suburban rail network, starting with new lines and gradually modifying the existing fleet. 

Authorities are urging the public to avoid travelling on footboards or hanging from open doors and have promised stricter monitoring and increased security personnel during peak hours.