06 August,2026 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
Passengers exit Prabhadevi railway station via the foot overbridge that is prone to crowding. Pics/Shadab Khan
Nine years after a stampede at Prabhadevi (formerly Elphinstone) railway station claimed at least 23 lives, passengers say it takes as long as seven to eight minutes to ascend a foot overbridge due to crowding, fearing that another tragedy could occur if congestion is not addressed urgently.
"It shouldn't take nearly eight minutes just to climb a few steps. Everyone is pushing from behind, and there is hardly any space to move. Taking the stairs daily feels risky," said commuter Mukesh Makhija, who travels from Ulhasnagar to Worli daily for work.
Passengers exit Prabhadevi railway station via the foot overbridge that is prone to crowding. Pic/Shadab Khan
Another regular passenger, Renu Chaudhary, said the rush becomes worse whenever a train arrives on both platforms simultaneously. "People from different directions merge onto the same bridge. There are moments when you cannot even lift your feet because the crowd is so dense. It is frightening, especially during the monsoon. Also, this is the only entry-exit point near IndiaBulls, which sees the maximum footfall," she said.
About 3.5 lakh commuters use the Prabhadevi-Parel station complex every day, according to railway estimates. Around 400 Western Railway suburban trains halt at Prabhadevi and about 300 Central Railway trains halt at Parel daily.
Daily commuter Nandini Keluskar said,"This bridge has a painful history. Several people lost their lives here, yet commuters continue to struggle. Authorities need to increase access points or create additional pedestrian infrastructure instead of temporary fixes."
Commuters also pointed out that ongoing Elphinstone bridge-related works in the area have exacerbated the chaos, forcing pedestrians through narrower passages during peak hours. "Interim arrangements have only intensified crowding, increasing the inconvenience and danger for not just railway commuters but also residents who use the approach road and bridge," said Parel resident Akshay Sutar.
A WR spokesperson said that there are three FOBs at Prabhadevi station. "The landings (from the Elphinstone Road Bridge to the railway station) have been demolished for the rebuilding of the road overbridge works. This has led to increased footfall on the south side bridge. To ensure systematic movement during peak hours, this structure has been converted into a one-way bridge, which means commuters are allowed to step out of the station only through this bridge during morning peak hours and step into the station during evening peak hours. Those who wish to enter/exit in the opposite direction are directed to other bridges. Currently, 14 RPFs and three senior officials are deployed during peak hours. Additionally, in coordination with BMC, we are processing the construction of another landing (exit) on the west side of this FOB, to facilitate better movement of commuters. Till then, we request passengers to co-operate with Railways."
[popcorn number="400" desc="Suburban trains that halt at Prabhadevi station daily" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="3.5 lakh" desc="No of commuters who use the Prabhadevi-Parel station" class="Default"]
