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Mumbai Local Trains to Get Automatic Doors After Deadly Accident

Mumbai Local Trains to Get Automatic Doors After Deadly Accident

Indian Railways has taken a significant step to enhance safety on Mumbai local trains. Automatic closure doors, or self-closing doors, will now be installed on suburban trains.

Maharashtra: Millions of commuters travel daily on Mumbai's lifeline, the local trains. However, a recent accident at Mumbra railway station in Thane district raised serious questions about railway safety preparedness. Following the death of four passengers and injuries to several others who fell from a moving train, the railways have announced a major initiative.

On Monday, Indian Railways announced that all new trains on the Mumbai suburban network will be fitted with automatic closure doors. Existing trains will also be retrofitted with these automatic doors. This measure is directly aimed at improving passenger safety.

Background of the Accident: Mumbra Station Becomes a Scene of Horror

The incident occurred on Monday morning when, due to overcrowding on a local train heading towards CSMT, several passengers lost their balance and fell from the moving train. This accident happened between Mumbra and Diva stations. According to eyewitnesses, there was a rush and jostling on the train, and as the train gained speed, 10-15 people fell.

Railway and police teams arrived at the scene shortly after. The injured were immediately taken to Shivaji Hospital and Thane General Hospital. Unfortunately, four people died. A statement from Central Railway said that initial investigations indicate overcrowding as the cause of the accident. The railway administration has ordered an inquiry, and efforts are underway to restore local services affected by the accident.

Railway's Swift Announcement: Automatic Doors for New Trains

Following the accident, the railway administration, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, decided to strengthen safety standards. The railways announced that all new trains being prepared for the Mumbai suburban division will be equipped with automatic doors. These doors will automatically close as the train starts and will open only when the train stops at a station.

Not only new trains, but this technology will also be implemented in existing local trains. The railway believes this change will significantly reduce incidents of people falling from moving trains. A senior railway board official stated, “Our aim is not just to prevent accidents, but to make travel safer and more comfortable. This transformation is technically challenging, but we are implementing it with priority.”

What Other Measures Will Be Taken for Passenger Safety?

This incident has compelled the railways to review not only automatic doors but also comprehensive safety measures. Other steps being taken by the railways include:

  • Deployment of additional security personnel: The deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel will be increased at major stations and during peak hours.
  • Crowd management plan: Separate personnel will be deployed to manage passenger crowds, especially during peak hours.
  • Passenger awareness: The railways will launch awareness campaigns advising passengers to exercise caution, avoid standing near train doors, and prevent jostling.
  • Technical upgrading of older trains: Existing trains will be upgraded with new doors, along with braking systems and alert signals.

Chief Minister's Response: Condolences to the Families

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the accident as extremely tragic. He tweeted, “My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident near Mumbra. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He further stated that the state government is in contact with the railway administration and will leave no stone unturned in treating the injured. He also stressed strengthening security arrangements and said that every necessary step will be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.

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