Bombay High Court Criticizes Railways Over Rising Deaths on Mumbai's Local Trains
On Thursday, the Bombay High Court delivered a scathing critique of the Central and Western Railways in response to the alarming number of deaths associated with Mumbai’s local train system. The court emphasized the need for immediate action and proposed the formation of an expert committee to investigate the causes and recommend measures to prevent further tragedies, according to a report by Live Law.
Alarming Statistics
Government data from 2023 revealed that a staggering 2,590 individuals lost their lives on Mumbai's suburban railway tracks, averaging seven deaths per day. These fatalities are primarily due to unauthorized track crossings and falls from moving trains. Such numbers have sparked increasing demands for enhanced safety features, including closed-door suburban trains and the construction of boundary walls and fences between platforms and tracks.
Breakdown of Fatalities
Data from the Government Railway Police (GRP) indicated that of the total deaths, 1,277 occurred while crossing railway tracks without authorization, and 590 were due to falls from running trains. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to improve commuter safety on one of the world’s busiest railway networks.
Court's Response
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current safety measures in place. They demanded that the General Managers of both Central and Western Railways submit detailed affidavits outlining their actions and plans to address the issue. Additionally, they called upon Additional Solicitor General Devang Vyas to assist in the matter.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya did not mince words, highlighting the unacceptable conditions under which commuters travel: “We need a robust system in place so that this can be checked. It’s a shame. Sorry to use this word. I feel ashamed. The manner in which the local trains, the passengers are made to commute.”
Call for Systemic Changes
The court's frustration mirrors the sentiments of many Mumbai commuters who face daily risks while using the local train system. The bench pointed out the inadequacy of the current management of the railways despite the high volume of daily commuters. Mumbai's local trains carry millions of passengers each day, making safety and efficiency paramount.
Proposed Solutions
The court's proposal to establish an expert committee aims to delve deeper into the root causes of these tragedies and come up with actionable solutions. Potential measures could include:
-
Closed-Door Trains: Implementing closed-door systems to prevent passengers from falling off moving trains.
-
Boundary Walls and Fences: Constructing barriers between platforms and tracks to deter unauthorized crossings.
-
Improved Surveillance: Enhancing monitoring and surveillance systems to detect and respond to safety breaches promptly.
-
Google Advertisement
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching initiatives to educate the public about the dangers of unauthorized track crossings and other risky behaviors.
Government and Railway Authorities' Role
The onus is now on the railway authorities and the government to act swiftly on the court's recommendations. Ensuring the safety of commuters should be a top priority, and this involves significant infrastructural and operational changes.
Public Sentiment
Public reaction to the court's strong stance has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commuters expressing relief that the issue is being addressed at a high level. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for immediate implementation of the proposed safety measures.
Conclusion
The Bombay High Court's rebuke of the Central and Western Railways over the rising deaths on Mumbai’s local trains marks a critical juncture in addressing this grave issue. With the court’s intervention, there is hope that substantive changes will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of millions of daily commuters. The establishment of an expert committee and the proposed measures could pave the way for a safer and more efficient railway system in Mumbai, ultimately saving lives and restoring public confidence in one of the city's most vital transportation networks.