Mid-Day Impact: Mumbai suburban trains undergo lock checks following report on poor condition

A missing bolt in Coach No. 2071A of a train on Central Railway; (right) A missing bolt in Coach 2124B of a Churchgate-Virar train, captured at Bandra station on March 18. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar

Central and Western Railways have announced special drives to check the locks and bolts of all trains on the Mumbai suburban network following a mid-day exposé highlighting their poor condition.

Responding to the article, Central Railway (CR) Mumbai divisional officials said that instructions had been issued to all car sheds to inspect and fix all the door locks for additional safety and make doubly sure that they are in perfect working order.

The problem is more acute with CR, as it has a fleet of 113 older trains, compared to just 12 on WR. Representation Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Western Railway (WR) officials said they had launched a special drive to check these mechanisms. All door and window locks and latches are checked periodically as part of routine maintenance. However, in view of the article, a special drive will be undertaken to inspect and rectify any deficiencies.

PASSENGERS SPEAK

Ketan Shah, Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee
‘The Central and Western Railway in Mumbai are actively looking at the bolt issue with divisional officials of both the railways seeking a report on the condition of these mechanisms. They have assured me that all of them will be fixed well with all the safety parameters in place'

Sarnudh Shirodkar, commuter
‘Thank you, mid-day, for highlighting the issue. One bolt for scrap can fetch around R350 to R550. Since there's no security in any stations despite several bomb incidents, it's easy to break them off. Typical Mumbai'

mid-day's audit

mid-day had highlighted concerns over the condition of door and window locks, flagging instances of loose or faulty latches that could pose safety risks. The article also revealed how such components, though inexpensive and routinely handled, are subject to constant stress due to heavy daily usage, overcrowding and frequent use, increasing the risk of wear and tear going undetected. The report noted that these components endure significant mechanical stress and vibration, particularly during peak hours, and are exposed to wear and tear over time. Despite their importance, they often escape attention compared to larger, more visible infrastructure issues. The article also warned that delayed detection or inadequate upkeep of such fittings could increase risks, especially in fast-moving locals, where secure doors are critical.