Mumbai Train Tragedy Prompts Action: Automatic Doors To Be Installed On New Local Trains

On June 9, 2025, a tragic accident occurred near Mumbra railway station in Thane, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to nine others. The incident happened when passengers on two overcrowded moving trains fell off due to a sudden jerk as one of the trains took a sharp curve between Diva and Mumbra stations. Reports indicate that this occurred around 9 AM when a train heading to Kasara, having departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), was passing through the Diva-Mumbra area.

In response to this unfortunate event, the Railway Board announced that all new trains being produced for the Mumbai Suburban network will be equipped with automatic door-closing mechanisms. These trains will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Additionally, the Railway Board is exploring options to retrofit older trains with similar safety features.

First Prototype Of Automatic Doors Will Be Ready By November 2025

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Railway Board officials, recently met with the ICF team to discuss solutions for implementing automatic door closures in non-AC local trains in Mumbai. A critical concern raised was the potential for suffocation due to decreased air circulation, as CO2 levels could rise significantly. After thorough discussions, an agreement was reached to incorporate design modifications that would ensure proper ventilation.

The updated trains will feature ventilated doors, roof-mounted units for fresh air circulation, and vestibules to facilitate passenger movement between coaches, thereby improving crowd management.

The prototype of this newly designed non-AC train is scheduled for completion in November 2025, with testing and certification to follow, aiming for operational deployment by January 2026. This initiative completes the ongoing production of 238 air-conditioned trains designated for Mumbai's suburban services.