Mumbai local tragedy: Eyewitnesses who watched as several passengers fell from a fast train between Mumbra and Kalwa railway stations told mid-day that the train was packed far beyond capacity and serious concerns about its passage via Mumbra, a station where fast trains typically do not stop.
Injured passengers, who were travelling from Kasara to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa on June 9. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Eyewitnesses who watched as several passengers fell from a fast train between Mumbra and Kalwa railway stations told mid-day that the train was packed far beyond capacity and serious concerns about its passage via Mumbra, a station where fast trains typically do not stop.
Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, chief public relations officer of Central Railway (CR), said the mishap could have occurred when passengers travelling on the footboards of two trains collided. Nila stated that it was primarily informed that two trains were involved — one bound for Kasara and the other heading toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). “The train was so full, people were literally hanging from the doors. Some began to fall as it approached Mumbra. Despite seeing passengers fall, no one stopped the train,” a witness told this newspaper.
A visibly distressed Shabir Sayyed, a Mumbra resident and frequent train commuter, recounted the scene, saying, “I travel every day, and this sight has become normal now. People hanging like monkeys! It was the same today [Monday]. They were falling on the tracks, lying there helplessly, and all the people around were doing was clicking photos and videos. It’s such a sad time we are living in. I’m handicapped, so I couldn’t help anyone — I just sat there, praying.” “People fall from trains every day,” another eyewitness added grimly, “but just because some died today, it’s become a big issue.”
The incident has sparked outrage among commuters and reignited long-standing concerns about crowd control and passenger safety on Mumbai’s bustling suburban rail network. Commuter groups have repeatedly called for enhanced infrastructure, more frequent services, and strict adherence to scheduled halts to prevent such tragedies. As the community mourns the loss, many are demanding urgent reforms. “This isn’t the first time,” a local train commuter told mid-day. “And unless something changes, it won’t be the last.”
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