At times, we see commuters standing at the door and chatting away on their cell phone
Ashwini Vaishnaw
Flagging commuter safety, Railway Minister Ashwini Vishnaw announced that Mumbai will start getting closed-door local trains. While commuter safety should always be a priority, it remains to be seen whether this initiative will translate to reality. One has been hearing about authorities talking about closed doors for local trains for a while now, but the minister has made concrete statements, including spelling out a timeline.
Till these closed doors become a reality, we must see commuters, at least during non-peak hours, stay away from the doors. Often, even in relatively empty compartments, they can be seen near the door. Hoping to be the quickest to alight, they balance themselves precariously and alight even before the train comes to a halt.
At times, we see commuters standing at the door and chatting away on their cell phone. This is a dangerous distraction, as one is absorbed in talking, and a little jerk or an inadvertent push may prove unfortunate as the commuter is talking and balance, or even alertness, may be compromised.
We come to our selfie and ‘likes’ seekers or social media who like to do stunts near the door. This is extremely foolish, and despite examples of grievous injury and even deaths, one is quite certain we have not seen or heard the last of this.
There are some people, sellers of goods, hawking their wares, who squat near the doors, eating away at the little space. Some commuters jog alongside a train and then jump in through the door. They extend helping hands to friends left behind on the platform from the door. All this is unnecessary, highly avoidable behaviour. It imperils you. Till those closed doors come, no matter when, the commuter should take responsibility for their safety.
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