Mumbai Suburban Railway Records Drop in Unnatural Deaths; Safety Measures Strengthened
Mumbai, 8 August 2025: The Mumbai Suburban Railway network has witnessed a decline in unnatural death incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Railways.
Unnatural Deaths on the Decline
Block sections reported 1,692 incidents in 2024, a drop from 1,880 in 2023.
At stations, the number rose from 656 in 2023 to 781 in 2024.
The data, sourced from the Government Railway Police (GRP), covers accidents due to falling from trains, trespassing, and other causes like pole collisions. The Railway Protection Force supports GRP and district police in ensuring safety and security on railway premises.
Technological and Infrastructure Enhancements
Significant safety investments and modernizations have been rolled out:
AC local trains in Mumbai now feature automatic doors that open only at stations, reducing overcrowding-related accidents.
More than 6,600 stations have been upgraded with Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems for centralized signal control.
11,096 level crossing gates are interlocked, and 6,640 stations now have complete track circuiting for electronic track occupancy monitoring.
The “Kavach” Automatic Train Protection System deployed nationally since 2020 is now operational on key corridors, with the Kota-Mathura section commissioned in July 2025.
Safety Outcomes and Spending Trends
Consequential train accidents plummeted from 135 in 2014–15 to 31 in 2024–25. For 2025–26 (up to June), only 3 such accidents have been reported.
The Accidents Per Million Train Kilometer (APMTKM) rate improved by approximately 73%, falling from 0.11 in 2014–15 to 0.03 in 2024–25.
Safety expenditure has climbed steadily from ₹39,463 crore in 2013–14 to a budgeted ₹1,16,470 crore for 2025–26. Investments span track renewals, signal upgrades, motive power maintenance, and more.
Broad-Based Safety Measures Underway
Station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme includes enhancements like lifts, escalators, clean facilities, digital kiosks, and disabled-friendly access. So far, 1,337 stations (including 132 in Maharashtra) have been earmarked for upgrades.
Track safety has been strengthened using high-quality rails, prestressed concrete sleepers, modern fastening systems, ultrasonic inspections, and advanced welding methods.
Additional safety devices including Vigilance Control Devices on locomotives, retro‑reflective signal boards, and fog-distance alert systems have been rolled out. Regular track monitoring and staff training continue as part of proactive safety protocols.
Traditional ICF coaches are being replaced by safer LHB coaches, and all unmanned level crossings on broad gauge routes have been eliminated by early 2019.
Passenger safety awareness is being promoted through station announcements, digital displays, and signage in Hindi and Marathi. The Railway Protection Force also enforces strict action against unsafe practices such as rooftop travel or footboard boarding.
The information was shared in a Rajya Sabha response by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT.
