Latest figures from the Railways indicate that the tracks are bloody with the number of lives lost due to train travel. From lack of footover bridges, to crossing tracks in order to save time, commuters cite varied reasons for flouting the rules
Latest figures from the Railways indicate that the tracks are bloody with the number of lives lost due to train travel. From lack of footover bridges, to crossing tracks in order to save time, commuters cite varied reasons for flouting the rules
Mumbai's suburban rail network, which is often referred to as the city's lifeline is also a death trap for commuters. 
More than 2,000 people died in 2010 while crossing tracks, while this year, between January and March more than 500 people have died while crossing railway tracks. Crossing tracks, electrocution while travelling on train rooftops and in many cases simply falling off a moving train, all these are lethal.
In spite of announcements made at various stations, which urge you to travel safely, every other day one hears about incidents where a person is hit by a train or a commuter falls into the gap between the train and the platform.
According to a recent report, even Bollywood actors have now stepped in to prevent such incidents.
For example, as part of a promotional campaign for the reality show, Khatron Ke Khiladi, actor Akshay Kumar, who is also anchoring the show, has recorded audio messages instructing commuters to travel safely.
But why do commuters put their life at risk, while travelling in local trains?
Options
Explained Uttaresh (who only uses his first name), a student who travels from Kurla to Matunga every day, "Most of the time I stand on the footboard because the train is too crowded. I have an option of either travelling that way or not reaching home at all. One can't be choosy if you've to reach on time."
There are others who agree with him. Alok Palshetkar, an engineering student who commutes from Thane to Panvel said,
"If I miss my train, there isn't another one available for almost an hour. So, I have no choice but to manage with whatever little space I get. Also during summer, travelling on the footboard is fun, as you can feel the wind on your face.
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A woman crossing a railway track. PICs/ Shrikant Khuperkar
I'd rather travel on the footboard than get stuck in the crowded compartment and sweat profusely." When asked, if reports of various accidents do not deter them from travelling on footboards or train rooftops, Uttaresh replied, "If you're alert and careful about your surroundings, nothing will happen to you.
It is only incidents of stone pelting, etcetera which can be dangerous." Palshetkar agrees that it is mainly due to convenience that people travel this way. "It is the first timers who usually fall off or get hurt. People who travel everyday know when to duck and where to hold while travelling close to the door or on footboards. Agreed there are risks, but it is convenient too."
Careful
Many commuters claim that they have learnt from their previous mistakes and exercise caution while travelling. Chaitali Kadam, an electronic engineer from Thane, was speaking on her phone when something hit her and she dropped her cell phone.
"I was standing on the footboard and it all happened so suddenly that I didn't know what hit me," she said. "I am a bit more careful now, but I stillu00a0 travel on the footboard," she said.
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Lack of awareness is also an issue as many are unaware of the risk involved. Said Mangala More, a co-ordinator at a communication firm regularly travels between Thakurli and Dadar, "People who travel on rooftops do not realise that they could be electrocuted."
Groups
Said Vinay Kadam, who commutes everyday from Dombivili to Dadar, "Many also travel in the space between two compartments. Others travel on rooftops. Even if you explain to these people that travelling this way could be dangerous, they refuse to change their ways. 
Commuters on train rooftop
Moreover, such people travel in groups so it becomes difficult for an individual to argue with them. If I file a complaint with the Railway Police, they will probably take some action that day, but the very next day these people are back to travelling like they used to."
Many feel that there is lack of vigilance and hence such things go unnoticed. Mohan Kemkar, who commutes from Dombivili to Dadar, said, "During peak hours, one rarely finds police constables on duty." A lot of commuters believe that 15-coach trains could help solve the problem to a certain extent.
Said Leena Inamdar, a home maker from Bhandup, "Overcrowded compartments is the problem.u00a0 On the Western Railway (WR) there is a 15-coach train service available between Churchgate and Virar. If a similar thing is followed on the Central Railway too, it will help the commuters."
The Other Side
Every station has a complaint book. Commuters who face any problem while travelling can register their complaint. The authorities will go through the complaint book and necessary action will be taken.
Also, passengers can send an SMS or call the railway helpline numbers and let us know their problems or report their observations.
Vidyadhar Malegaonkar, Chief PRO, central railways
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