Mumbra train tragedy: Commuters seek raised channels, longer handles for train safety

Senior citizen Deepak Narayan Shigwan hangs on to the water gutter channel above the doors of a suburban local train. Pic/ Rajendra B. Aklekar

A senior citizen commuter from the city has appealed to the Indian Railways to replace the water gutter channel above the doors of suburban local trains, stating that it is a major reason why commuters hang onto the doors and footboard, often leading to slipping while the train is moving. The appeal also requests the installation of longer handles at the door entrances to provide a better grip for commuters forced to stand on the footboard.

"These two changes will save lives. The Railways are talking of design changes but that will take time for incorporation. These two changes can be done promptly and locally with minor alterations. I have appealed to the divisional railway manager about this," said Deepak Narayan Shigwan.

IN PHOTOS | Mumbai train tragedy: Deadly curves near Mumbra blamed for incident

1 month agoPHOTO GALLERY

He said the water channel above the door is too shallow and is mostly used by commuters hanging out of the train during extreme peak hours to grip and hold on. It should be modified promptly. "In Mumbai, getting inside the train is a challenge, and standing on the footboard has become part of the experience. The Railways should consider installing longer handles on either side of the doorway to improve safety," he added.

The Mumbai suburban train network is classified as a "super dense crush load" system, a term coined by railway officials, where passenger density can reach up to 16 people per square metre, which is double the standard dense crush load of eight passengers per square metre.

Railway officials said they would look into the matter. "We can explore the idea and possibly raise the water channel a bit higher, but it will require technical input and study," a railway spokesperson said. The Railways have already announced a design change for Mumbai's Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) suburban local trains following the Mumbra incident. The redesigned train will be ready by November 2025 and enter public service by January 2026 after testing and trials.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with manufacturers at the Integral Coach Factory on Monday and finalised the new design, which includes three key changes: first, the doors will have louvres; second, the coaches will feature roof-mounted ventilation units to pump in fresh air; and third, vestibules will be added between coaches.