NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways announced on Monday that all new rakes being manufactured for Mumbai’s suburban network will be equipped with automatic door-closing mechanisms to prevent passengers from falling from moving trains.All rakes under manufacturing for Mumbai Suburban will have automatic door closer facilities, the Railway board said in a statement.This decision follows a recent incident on Monday between Diva and Mumbra stations in Thane district, where at least five passengers died and several others were injured after falling from an overcrowded local train. The move aims to improve safety and prevent accidents caused by open doors on Mumbai’s crowded local trains. The board also confirmed that all rakes currently in service on the Mumbai Suburban network will be redesigned.“All rakes in service will be redesigned” and door closure facility will be provided in these rakes of Mumbai Suburban, the board added.
Thane local train tragedy
At least five passengers died and several others were injured after falling from an overcrowded local train between Diva and Mumbra stations on Monday morning.The incident happened around 9:30 am when two trains traveling in opposite directions crossed each other. Passengers standing on the footboards of both trains collided during the crossing, causing many to lose balance and fall.Officials said eight passengers fell, with five declared dead on arrival at nearby hospitals and others injured. A preliminary investigation found that 13 passengers fell off. More details awaited.
