On the morning of June 9, 2025, a terrible accident happened near Mumbai station in Thane, Maharashtra. Four people, including a railway police constable, died, and nine others were hurt after falling from a crowded Mumbai local train. This sad event took place around 9:00 AM during the busy morning rush, when lakhs of people travel to work. It shows how dangerous it can be to travel in Mumbai’s jam-packed local trains, which are called the city’s lifeline.
What Happened?
The accident occurred on the Diva-Mumbai railway track, part of the Central Railway line, which is always full of passengers. Two trains—one going from Kasara to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and another going from Mumbai to Kasara—passed each other at a sharp curve near Mumbai station. Both trains were so full that many people were standing at the doors or holding onto the handles outside, as there was no space inside.
According to people who saw it happen, a bag carried by a passenger on one train hit some passengers hanging onto the door of the other train. This caused a few people to lose their balance and fall onto the tracks. Some were hit by the moving train, which led to serious injuries. Four passengers, including a 34-year-old railway police constable named Vicky Babasaheb Mukhyadal, died because of bad head injuries and heavy bleeding. Nine others who were hurt were taken to nearby hospitals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa and Thane Civil Hospital. Two of them are in serious condition at Jupiter Hospital.
The train manager reported the accident, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), local police, and Thane’s Disaster Management team rushed to help. But many passengers said the train kept running for almost 12 kilometers before stopping at Thane station, even after someone pulled the emergency chain. This delay might have made things worse for the injured.
Mumbai’s Local Trains: A Risky Ride
Mumbai’s local trains carry more than 70 lakh passengers every day, making them one of the busiest train networks in the world. But these trains are often so crowded that people have to stand near the doors or hang outside just to breathe. The Diva-Mumbai stretch is especially risky because of its sharp curves and huge crowds. Accidents like this have happened before, and many people have lost their lives falling from trains.
A few years ago, in 2023, a case in the Bombay High Court pointed out that nearly 2,000 people die every year on Mumbai’s trains, many because of falling or other accidents. The court called it “shameful” and said passengers were being treated like animals. The Mumbai accident has reminded everyone of these problems, and people are now demanding safer trains.
Ramesh Gupta, a commuter who lost his friend Sanjay More (25) in the accident, said, “The train was so full that Sanjay was standing near the door. When the other train passed, something hit him, and he fell. It was over in seconds.” Stories like this show how tough it is for Mumbaikars to travel safely every day.
People Are Angry, Demand Action
This accident has made people very angry. Political leaders, passenger groups, and common citizens are asking why the railways aren’t doing more to keep commuters safe. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the accident “very sad” and promised a full investigation. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the government will work on making trains safer. But opposition leaders like Congress’s Harshwardhan Sapkal and NCP (SP)’s Sharad Pawar have demanded that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw resign, saying the railways have failed to protect passengers.
The Mumbai Railway Passengers’ Association said there aren’t enough trains on busy routes like Dombivli-Thane, even though the number of passengers keeps growing. They want strict action against railway officials and Rs 25 lakh compensation for the families of those who died. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has asked for new fast trains from Diva to CSMT to reduce crowding.
The Railway Board has promised to add automatic door-closing systems to all new and old trains. Central Railway’s spokesperson, Swapnil Neela, said 238 new AC trains will have this feature, and older trains will be upgraded too. But right now, only 15 trains have these doors, so it will take time to make all trains safer.
Time for Change
The Mumbai accident is a warning that Mumbai’s trains need urgent fixes. For years, people have been asking for more trains, better tracks, and safety features. The Thane-Diva route is especially dangerous because of its curves and heavy crowds. Plans to add new tracks between Kalyan and Kurla or start more trains from Diva have been discussed, but nothing has been done yet.
The families of the four people who died are in deep pain. One victim was about to buy a new house, and another’s family was planning a birthday party. These losses show how one accident can destroy so many dreams.
