Mumbai local Train Tragedy Sparks Outrage and Protest

A devastating accident at Mumbra railway station in Thane, Maharashtra, claimed the lives of five passengers and injured several others when they fell from an overcrowded local train bound for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Monday morning, June 9, 2025. The incident, which occurred around 9:20 a.m. between Diva and Mumbra stations, was attributed to severe overcrowding, with passengers hanging onto the train’s footboards. The collision of passengers on the footboards of two trains traveling in opposite directions reportedly caused the fatal falls.

The tragedy prompted a swift response from railway and police authorities, who rushed to the scene to assist. Injured passengers were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa and Jupiter Hospital, for treatment. Central Railway has launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident, noting that local train services were disrupted as a result.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announcing a protest march at Thane railway station to demand accountability from the railway administration. MNS leader Raj Thackeray, addressing a press conference, highlighted the persistent issue of overcrowding in Mumbai’s local trains and urged railway authorities to address the crisis. He emphasized the need for the Railway Minister to personally assess the situation on the ground rather than merely offering resignations.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences, calling the incident “extremely unfortunate” in a post on X. He confirmed that the injured were receiving treatment at Shivaji Hospital and Thane Civil Hospital, with the local administration coordinating relief efforts. The Railway Board is exploring safety upgrades, including the introduction of automatic door-closing systems for Mumbai’s suburban trains by 2026, in response to the tragedy.