Mumbai's suburban railway network saw a decline in unnatural deaths in 2024 compared to 2023. According to Government Railway Police (GRP) records, unnatural deaths in block sections were 1,692 in 2024, down from 1,880 in 2023. However, deaths at stations increased to 781 in 2024 from 656 in 2023. These incidents are caused by falling from trains, trespassing, pole hits, and other reasons. Law and order is a State subject, with the Government Railway Police/District Police handling these cases, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) assisting with passenger and property safety.

The introduction of AC local trains with automatic doors has improved commuter safety by preventing footboard travel and boarding moving trains, thereby reducing fatal incidents. To further enhance infrastructure and safety, multiple projects under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) have been sanctioned. These include:

• CSMT–Kurla 5th & 6th Line (17.5 km, ₹891 Cr)
• Mumbai Central–Borivali 6th Line (30 km, ₹919 Cr)
• Extension of Harbour Line from Goregaon-Borivali
• Borivali–Virar 5th & 6th Line (26 km, ₹2,184 Cr)
• Virar–Dahanu 3rd & 4th Line (64 km, ₹3,587 Cr)
• Panvel-Karjat suburban corridor (29.6 km, ₹2,782 Cr)
• Airoli-Kalwa (elevated) suburban corridor link (3.3 km, ₹476 Cr)
• Kalyan-Asangaon 4th Line (32 km, ₹1,759 Cr)
• Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd & 4th Line (14 km, ₹1,510 Cr)
• Kalyan-Kasara 3rd Line (67 km, ₹793 Cr)
• Nalgaon-Juichandra double chord line (6 km, ₹176 Cr)
• Nilaje-Kopar double chord Line (5 km, ₹338 Cr)

Safety Improvements and Technological Upgrades

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term initiative to redevelop stations, with 1,337 stations nationwide, including 132 in Maharashtra, undergoing upgrades for better accessibility and amenities. Consequential train accidents have decreased from 135 in 2014-15 to 31 in 2024-25, and only 3 were reported in 2025-26 (up to June). The accident rate per million train kilometers (APMTKM) has dropped from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2024-25, marking a 73% improvement.

The expenditure on safety-related works has increased significantly, from ₹39,463 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,16,470 crore in 2025-26. Key technological advancements include the deployment of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection System on major routes, the commissioning of Electronic Interlocking at over 6,600 stations, and the use of modern track components such as high-strength rails and prestressed concrete sleepers. The number of unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge was 8,948 in 2014 but has since been completely eliminated by January 31, 2019. The manufacturing of LHB coaches has increased more than 18 times, from 2,337 in 2009-14 to 42,677 by 2024-25.

Commuter Safety and Awareness

Railways are also implementing various measures for commuter safety in the Mumbai suburban network. These include awareness campaigns on social media, digital platforms, and print media. Frequent announcements are made at stations to caution passengers against unsafe practices like footboard travel and trespassing. Short safety videos are displayed on the Rail Display Network at stations, and flex boards in Hindi and Marathi have been installed at vulnerable locations. RPF staff are deployed at these spots to prevent trespassing and other unsafe activities.

Source/PIB