Majority of Passengers During Office Hours, Central Zone Virtually Gasping for Breath
Eight AM to Eleven AM, and Five PM to Eight PM – these six hours are a nightmare for the Central Railway employees in Mumbai! Railway statistics show that nearly 75% of the zone's total daily passengers travel during this time. Every compartment of the local train is so crowded that it becomes impossible not only to stand but even to enter. Many passengers are seriously injured or lose their lives after falling from moving trains during this period.
Railway Stirred into Action After Accidents, Plan for Automatic Doors on the Horizon
Following the recent deaths of several passengers who fell from moving local trains, Central Railway has been compelled to take strict measures. It has been announced that local trains with automatic doors will be introduced in the future to manage crowds and ensure safety. Simultaneously, the authorities have begun to revive an old plan.
'Reduce Passengers or Increase Trains' – Railway Proposes Changing Office Shifts
As a way to reduce this crowding, the railway authorities are pursuing two approaches: one, increasing the number of trains, and two, reducing the number of passengers. Many may be surprised to hear the second approach, but Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Nila, explained, "If all offices have the same hours, the trains will inevitably be crowded at the same time. To avoid this crowding, it is essential to change office hours."
Letter to 800 Offices, Railway's Plan to Reduce Crowding by Dividing Time Slots
Central Railway has already sent letters to approximately 800 government offices in the Mumbai suburbs. The letters propose that office hours be divided into three slots between 9 AM and 11 AM. Some employees would arrive at 9 AM, some at 10 AM, and others at 11 AM. Leave times would also be divided accordingly. The railway believes that this would significantly reduce the pressure on trains during office hours.
Proposal Raised in 2023 as Well, Renewed Efforts Now Due to Lack of Implementation
The railway had made a similar proposal in 2023, but it was not implemented. However, the mortality statistics are now alarming. In 2024 alone, 3,588 passengers have lost their lives on local trains in the Central Railway – an average of approximately 10 people per day. The railway seems determined to prevent this devastation.
Separate Compartments for Senior Citizens, Central Railway Aims to Set an Example of Empathy
Central Railway is not only focused on crowd control but also on the convenience of senior citizens. It has been announced that each local train will have a 'Senior Citizen Compartment' to allow senior citizens to travel without hindrance.
Crowds No Less in Howrah-Sealdah, Yet Eastern Railway Taking a Different Approach
Although not as severe as in Mumbai, the crowding in Howrah and Sealdah during office hours is also significant. This raises the question of whether Eastern Railway can adopt measures similar to those of Central Railway. In response, Eastern Railway spokesperson Diptimoy Dutta said, "We have taken measures here as well, but they are tailored to local needs."
Additional Trains Introduced in Sealdah, Number of Women's Compartments Increased
In the past month, Eastern Railway has introduced 10 new local trains in the Sealdah division to manage crowds. Additionally, keeping women passengers in mind, the number of women's compartments in each local train has been increased to three. In other words, Eastern Railway is taking initiatives to control crowds in its own way, based on its specific requirements.
