Going to work or college is like going to war in Mumbai local: Bombay HC expresses shame over 'cattle-class' situation

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday criticized the Railways for the dismal conditions in which passengers travel on local trains in Mumbai, questioning their efforts to stop deaths caused by falling from trains and track trespassing. The court emphasized it is the Railways' responsibility to ensure passenger safety, with the Chief Justice expressing shame over the situation and demanding accountability from officials, a TOI report stated.

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that addressed the high death rates and proposed remedies for Mumbai's suburban railways. The PIL highlighted that the Mumbai suburban railway system, the second busiest in the world, witnesses over 2,000 deaths annually with a staggeringly high 33.8% fatality rate.

The petition underscored that the rising number of passengers has not been matched by corresponding infrastructure improvements, leading to crumbling facilities. Advocates Rohan Shah and Surabhi Prabhudesai, representing petitioner Yatin Jadhav, argued that the Railways evade responsibility by labeling deaths from track crossing, falls, or slips as "untoward incidents."

"Going out to pursue your vocation or to college is like going to war," said Shah, also presenting news reports about congestion-induced incidents such as a stampede-like situation at Kalyan station.

Western Railway's advocate Suresh Kumar stated that since 2008, WR has followed previous PIL directives that included measures like fixing platform-train gaps. However, the judges questioned if these efforts have effectively stopped train-fall and trespassing deaths.

"You have to change your attitude and mind," said the Chief Justice, adding, "This time we are going to make the officials accountable... You are carrying human passengers like cattle. Perhaps even worse."

The court order stressed the urgency of addressing these issues and demanded the involvement of senior officials, including a Railway Board member and zonal safety commissioners. The High Court directed the General Managers of Western and Central Railway to file a response affidavit to the PIL, outlining measures taken to curb accidents. After reviewing the responses, the High Court may consider establishing a committee of commissioners or experts to study and propose solutions for reducing daily train passenger deaths in Mumbai.

The High Court's pointed remarks reflect a growing frustration with the Railways' handling of passenger safety and infrastructure maintenance on one of the world's busiest suburban rail networks. The upcoming responses and potential expert committee could pave the way for significant changes to improve commuting conditions and reduce fatalities.