- विज्ञापन -
Mumbai, June 20: In a strong intervention during a hearing on Friday, the Bombay High Court suggested the installation of automatic doors on Mumbai’s suburban trains to reduce the growing number of commuter deaths, which have now reached an alarming average of 10 per day in 2024.
Over 3500 deaths in 2024 alone
The division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne expressed grave concern while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a daily commuter.
The Court cited official figures showing that 3,588 people have died in 2024 alone while travelling on Mumbai locals averaging 10 deaths per day.
“What disturbs us is that in 2024 alone, over 3,588 deaths happened on Mumbai locals. This averages to 10 deaths per day. Which means 10 Mumbaikars die every day. This is an alarming situation,” Justice Marne noted, referring to data submitted by the authorities in an affidavit.
Court questions State and Railway action
Appearing on behalf of the State and the Railways, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh informed the court that:
♦ A High-Level Committee is examining the broader issue of rail fatalities.
♦ A separate *multi-disciplinary panel led by the Senior Divisional Safety Officer (Central Railway) is probing the Mumbra incident.
However, the court was not satisfied. “Whatever the State seems to be doing is not enough, as fatalities keep happening,” the bench said.
Safety Measures & Challenges Ahead
The Court asked the authorities to explore structural safety interventions, such as automatic doors, and to submit a detailed timeline and recommendations from both committees.
ASG Singh cited operational constraints, saying, “No work can be undertaken during the hours locals are running. We need to construct partition walls and make changes to platforms. Some measures have already been taken.”
Next Hearing on July 14
The High Court has directed the State and Railway authorities to present:
♦ Full details of both committees
♦Their recommendations
♦ A timeline for implementation
The case will be heard next on July 14.
