Mumbai Local Train Deaths Cross 51,000 in Two Decades: Railways Report to Bombay High Court
In Short:
- Court Submission: Data presented to Bombay High Court after a petition raised safety concerns.
- Major Causes of Death: Overcrowding, trespassing, and accidents are cited as primary reasons.
- Railway's Plea: Urges court's intervention to clear encroachments along railway tracks.
Over 51,000 people have died in Mumbai's suburban train network over the past 20 years, according to data submitted by Western Railway and Central Railway to the Bombay High Court. The information was presented in response to a petition filed by Yatin Jadhav, highlighting the alarming fatality rate on Mumbai’s local trains.
The affidavit reveals that 22,481 fatalities occurred on the suburban lines managed by Western Railway, while 29,321 people lost their lives on the lines operated by Central Railway during this period. The Railways attributed the high death toll to factors like overcrowding, people crossing tracks illegally, and other accidents.
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The Railways have sought the court's help to remove encroachments along railway tracks, which they claim are exacerbating the safety issues for commuters. The submission underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements to reduce fatalities on Mumbai's lifeline—its local trains.