Overcrowding Claims Lives Again: GRP Constable Among 4 Dead in Mumbai Suburban Train Mishap

At least four passengers, including a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable, lost their lives and six others were injured after falling from an overcrowded local train in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Monday morning. The incident took place around 9 am between Diva and Kopar stations on a Kasara-bound suburban train during peak rush hour.

According to reports, some commuters hanging precariously from the footboards of two passing trains brushed against each other due to intense overcrowding. Several lost their grip and fell onto the tracks—a tragic and all-too-familiar consequence of the Mumbai local train system's ongoing capacity issues.

Railway authorities confirmed that around 12 passengers fell from the train. The train guard promptly alerted officials, and emergency services rushed to the scene. The injured were taken to Shivaji Hospital and Thane General Hospital, where four victims—identified as Ketan Saroj, Rahul Gupta, Mayur Shah, and GRP constable Vicky Mukhyad—were declared dead on arrival. Six others, including two women, are currently under medical care.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident "deeply unfortunate" and ordered a high-level probe to determine responsibility and recommend safety measures. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar extended their condolences and emphasized the urgent need for solutions to Mumbai's chronic rail overcrowding. Compensation has been announced for the families of the deceased.

Railway officials clarified that the Pushpak Express was not involved, countering earlier speculation. They acknowledged that overcrowding and unsafe travel habits were contributing factors, sparking fresh criticism from commuters and opposition leaders. Many are now demanding immediate reforms to improve passenger safety on Mumbai’s lifeline railway system.