Mumbai Railways Boost Safety with Panic Buttons at 117 Stations

In response to a tragic incident at Mumbra station on June 9, 2025, which claimed four lives, Central Railway is implementing enhanced safety measures across its network. The initiative includes installing panic buttons at 117 stations along the main and harbour lines to allow commuters to quickly alert authorities during emergencies such as accidents, overcrowding, or criminal activities.

According to a Central Railway official cited by mid-day.com, these buttons will be strategically placed at station masters’ offices, ticket counters, and other key locations. Pressing a panic button will immediately notify the control room, railway staff, and trigger CCTV cameras to focus on the incident area, enabling swift response from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP). Additional safety enhancements include installing an extra row of handles on train coaches to provide better grip for passengers standing near footboards, a measure aimed at preventing falls during transit.

The decision follows a deadly accident involving a Kasara-bound fast train and a Karjat-bound slow train near Mumbra, where passengers fell from overcrowded coaches. While the exact cause remains under investigation by a high-level committee, early findings suggest overcrowding may have contributed. The committee’s report is expected within nine days from June 13, 2025, as per mid-day.com. Central Railway has also appealed to the public for information about the incident, urging witnesses to submit details with valid ID proof to the Senior Divisional Safety Officer in Mumbai by June 16, 2025.

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This safety overhaul reflects Central Railway’s commitment to addressing commuter concerns amid recent incidents, including heavy rainfall disrupting services and a bridge collapse in Pune. The panic buttons and additional handles aim to enhance passenger security and prevent future tragedies on Mumbai’s bustling railway network.