‘Alarming’ Rise in Mumbai Local Train Deaths: Bombay HC Urges Railways to Take Steps

The Bombay High Court on Friday, 20 June 2025, expressed deep shock over the rising number of commuter deaths on Mumbai local trains.

A division Bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, while referring to an affidavit submitted by the authorities, noted that nearly 3,588 commuter deaths were reported in 2024 alone

The court took note of the June 9 Mumbra incident, where five commuters died and eight were injured after falling off an overcrowded local train.

During the proceedings, the CJ-led bench suggested that the Railways consider adopting automatic door-closing mechanisms in local trains to prevent such falls. However, the court clarified that this was merely a suggestion from a “layman’s perspective” and that railway experts should examine its feasibility.

 The High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed after several commuters died in tragic accidents on Mumbai locals, often described as the lifeline of the city.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh, representing the State and the Railways, told the court that a multi-disciplinary committee had been constituted to probe the June 9 Mumbra incident and submit its recommendations.

Meanwhile, the court directed the Railways to place the committee’s suggestions and an implementation timeline on record.

The court also asked the committee to consider suggestions made by the petitioner commuter.

Further, the Railways told the court that a high-level monitoring committee is working towards a "zero death mission." It added that the committee has already taken measures such as constructing boundary walls and fences between tracks to prevent crossing.

The matter is likely to come up before the court on July 14.

With PTI inputs