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In a heartbreaking reminder of Mumbai’s longstanding battle with train overcrowding, eight passengers died on Monday morning after falling from an overpacked local train during peak rush hour between Mumbra and Diva railway stations. 

The tragedy unfolded on the Kalyan-bound fast line of Central Railway line when two trains passed each other on adjacent tracks, and footboard commuters—forced into dangerous positions due to congestion—reportedly collided. The incident has reignited urgent calls for improved railway safety and infrastructure in a city where millions rely on local trains daily.

The incident took place at 9.30 am this morning. The train was travelling from Kasara to CSMT when the accident occurred.

Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, Dr. Swapnil Nila, stated that passengers were traveling on the footboard of the overcrowded local train when the tragic incident occurred.

Nila stated, according to one of the travellers, the passengers who were traveling on the footboard in opposite directions may have collided, which is suspected to be the preliminary cause of the incident.

He informed that during the morning peak hours, two local trains were passing each other on adjacent tracks at Mumbra railway station. Due to overcrowding, several passengers were travelling on the footboards. In the narrow space between the trains, the bags of some passengers brushed against one another, causing a loss of balance that led to the tragic fall.

The victims were immediately rushed to Kalwa Hospital by ambulance but were declared dead on arrival.

The initial alert was given by the guard of a Kasara-bound train.

Authorities are currently working to identify the deceased, who are believed to be between 30 and 35 years old. 

Further details about the circumstances leading to the incident are still awaited as investigations continue.

Despite the incident, Nila confirmed that there has been no disruption to services and all trains on the Central Railway line are running on schedule.