'We no longer feel safe': Mumbai commuters react after four train violence incidents in a day

Commuters and experts say overcrowding is one of the main reasons tempers flare. FILE PIC

Four incidents of violence or near violence at railway stations or inside trains on Thursday has left loyal commuters of the city's railway network fuming. They say the rising incidents of train-rage has left more commuters fearing for their lives. They also ask why safety on trains is not a priority for the railway authorities. Commuters pour their hearts out to mid-day.

‘Passenger safety needed'
Mukesh Makhija, AC local train commuter

‘How many more such incidents before passenger safety becomes a priority? Violence in Mumbai local trains is becoming alarmingly common. Every commuter deserves to reach home safely. It is high time the Railways strengthened security, surveillance, and crowd management. Passenger safety cannot wait for another tragedy.'

‘Stronger infrastructure needed'
Yogendra Shinde, software engineer, Thane resident

‘No one should have to risk their life simply to reach work or return home. Safe and accessible public transport is a basic necessity, not a privilege. Authorities must prioritise stronger infrastructure, better crowd management, and enhanced safety measures at stations.'

‘Prompt action necessary'
Nayana Sugunan, commuter

‘Violence is a choice. Assaults and violent altercations on Mumbai's local trains cannot be treated as isolated incidents - they point to the urgent need for stronger enforcement and preventive measures. Prompt action against offenders, increased security on trains and platforms, and visible accountability are essential to deter such behaviour.'

‘Zero patrolling'
Kaushal Dubey,commuter

‘Every day we travel in overcrowded trains, and now we have to worry about violent fights as well. It's becoming frightening, especially during peak hours. The Railways and police need to increase patrolling so passengers feel safe.'

‘Strict action needed'
Hiren Patel, commuter

‘When such incidents happen one after another, it creates fear among everyone, especially women and senior citizens. There should be strict action against those involved so that others think twice before creating trouble.

‘Need to be responsible'
Pushpak Tanavade, commuter

‘Many people lose their temper over small issues like getting in or out of trains. We all need to be more patient because one argument can quickly turn violent. Commuters also have a responsibility to maintain discipline.'

‘Quick intervention needed'
Wasim Athaniya, commuter

‘I've been travelling by local trains, and such incidents seem to be increasing. CCTV monitoring, more RPF personnel, and quick intervention are essential to prevent these situations from escalating.'

‘Stressed commuters'
Mandar Abhyankar, commuter

The rise in altercations among commuters is a reminder that many people are carrying invisible emotional burdens. Work-related stress, rising living costs, long travel hours, and the pressures of balancing personal and professional life are taking a visible toll. While these challenges may explain frustration, they can never justify violence. It is time to focus not only on expanding transport infrastructure but also on encouraging emotional well-being, civic responsibility, and respect for fellow commuters.

‘Safe travel a basic right'
Rashmi R, creative designer and commuter

The ladies' coaches have turned into high-stress battlegrounds. A minor trigger can instantly escalate. But to blame this on "short tempers" misses the bigger picture. This aggression is due to infrastructure failure and psychological burnout. A major part of the problem is the lack of space. While a few ‘Ladies Special' trains run during peak hours, 12-car and 15-car rakes still carry only 3-4 dedicated ladies' compartments. Thousands of women are forced to squeeze into these limited coaches, turning daily transit into a ticking pressure cooker. Safe commute is not a luxury; it is a basic right.'

‘Need to be cautious'
Aishwarya Nair, commuter

‘Using Mumbai's local trains for over a decade, I can say things have changed. I am now far more cautious of my fellow passengers, especially during peak hours. I regularly board a train from Kurla in the evenings, and there hasn't been a day when the crowds have been properly managed or when there hasn't been some argument or fight breaking out. The growing number of incidents has prompted me to avoid travelling during rush hours when possible. Impatience and sudden outbursts of anger seem more common. Part of the blame lies with persistent delays, particularly during bad weather and peak hours, which result in severely overcrowded compartments.'

Expert Speak

‘Improve seating, make more space'

Shailesh Goyal, former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee

‘Most train fights stem from a lack of space. Even unintentional pushing or physical contact - unavoidable during peak-hour travel - is often taken personally, causing minor disagreements to escalate into serious altercations. Improving passenger movement through more spacious coach layouts, such as Metro-style interiors, and increasing carrying capacity can help ease these tensions. Equally important are frequent public announcements inside coaches promoting patience, mutual respect, and peaceful travel.'

‘Test of patience'

Subhash Gupta, Mumbai Yatri Sangh

‘Peak-hour travel in Mumbai is a daily test of patience. People are packed so tightly that accidental pushing and brushing against each other is unavoidable. Unless commuters learn to stay calm, even the smallest misunderstanding can spiral into a serious fight.'

‘Stop fights'

Sameer Zaveri, passenger activist

‘Fellow passengers must intervene promptly when they notice disagreements beginning over petty matters like seating, closing doors in rain, or similar issues. Early, calm intervention can stop heated words from escalating into physical assault or worse. Do not remain silent spectators… step forward, speak firmly but peacefully, and help de-escalate the situation. Your timely action can prevent serious harm.'

‘Atmosphere of fear'

Rajesh Ghanghav, president, Kalyan-Kasara-Karjat Railway Passengers' Association

‘Fear has been developing on Mumbai's rail network. People are travelling with weapons such as sickles and knives. There have also been incidents of molestation and rape on railway premises. The security system has collapsed. Metal detectors must be installed at stations, and a security system along the lines of the Metro should be introduced. At the same time, the RPF must increase deployment of security personnel.'

‘Need to improve policing'

Siddhesh Desai, vice-president, Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh

‘Mumbai's railway needs a shift from reactive policing to preventive security. Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh has demanded that suburban stations have Metro-style controlled entry and exit systems, with compulsory baggage screening. Though the suburban network operates on a much larger scale than the Metro, technology can make it feasible.

We also strongly recommend a Unified Railway Protection Authority on the lines of airport security for faster response and better accountability. Controlled access will strengthen passenger security and also drastically reduce ticketless travel. Restricting unauthorised access to platforms and tracks will also help reduce accidents, trespassing, and other security-related incidents.'