Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has suggested that the Central Railways evaluate the possibility of installing automatic closed doors in local trains to avoid deadly accidents, which have increasingly become an issue. The court's deliberation stemmed from public interest litigation concerning the frequent fatalities of passengers caused by overcrowding and falls.
In a recent tragic incident in Thane saw several individuals had reportedly fell off a local train between Diva and Mumbra around 9 AM on June 9. Disturbing visuals emerged online, showing casualties. Nine were injured and four fatalities were reported, with victims hospitalised in Thane. This incidence has initiated conversation about local train safety in Mumbai. Justice Marne highlighted that around ten deaths happen each day in train accidents, stressing the critical necessity for enhanced safety measures.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh noted that numerous preventive measures have been introduced, including establishing a multi-disciplinary safety committee following the June event, installing track dividers, and tackling platform congestion. Nonetheless, Justice Marne voiced worries regarding insufficient safeguards against falls.
Chief Justice Aradhe supports automatic closed doors as a possible measure to improve safety and reach a "Zero Deaths" objective. ASG Singh reported continuing initiatives to reduce daily commuter deaths. The court directed the petitioner to provide suggestions to the safety committee and set additional hearings on the issue.
As a result of this discussion, the Mumbai local trains might adopt steps to guarantee passenger safety and avert future disasters. The judges emphasized the importance of prompt recommendations and their execution as they seek to ensure the Railways are held responsible for effectively lowering fatal occurrences. The upcoming hearing is scheduled for July 14, during which the Railways are required to present updates on committee memberships and proposed action plans.
