Mumbai’s suburban rail network, the city’s circulatory system, is under strain. On a typical day, the trains shuttle millions of commuters from the furthest reaches of the metropolis into its bustling heart. But increasingly, the system is faltering, plagued by derailments, power outages, and simmering frustration over poor service. Recent events underscore how the network is becoming as much a source of stress as it is a necessity for the city’s 80 lakh-odd residents who use it daily.
Recently, a local train derailed in Kalyan, halting its journey toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the disruption highlights a growing trend of technical failures within the city’s rail infrastructure while putting a big question mark over the system’s ability to cope with mounting passenger demand. For many Mumbaikars, delays, cancellations and unplanned stops have become a routine inconvenience.
Yet, the problem is not just technical. A simmering discontent is beginning to manifest in ugly confrontations. A scuffle over spare change at Kalyan station ended with a ticket clerk being assaulted by a commuter. The incident has sparked a fresh wave of demands for better security at railway stations, as the staff now find themselves dealing not just with operational difficulties but with violence from frustrated passengers. While this case is an extreme example, it reflects escalating tensions in a system pushed to its limits.
These flashpoints are exacerbated by frequent service disruptions. A power supply failure between Thakurli and Kalyan recently paralyzed operations for an hour, leaving passengers stranded and walking along the tracks in search of alternate routes. Earlier this month, a new timetable rolled out by Central Railways has further angered commuters, particularly late-night travellers. The last trains to Karjat and Kasara now depart earlier than their counterparts on Western Railways, which continue to run services until 1 am. The move has been labelled “step-motherly” by the Suburban Passengers Association, which argues that workers on late shifts are being unfairly deprived of travel options.
The Western Railway network has not fared much better. Between September 30 and October 4, the addition of a sixth rail line between Ram Mandir Road and Malad slowed services to a crawl, with speeds limited to 30 kilometres per hour. Over 175 services were delayed or cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling to adjust their schedules. For a system relied upon by so many, such disruptions are not just inconveniences - they are daily crises. The financial capital of India, which prides itself on resilience, is finding its patience tested. The local train system, once a symbol of Mumbai’s spirit of enterprise and endurance, is beginning to buckle under the weight of neglect. Its commuters deserve better. What is needed is not just quick fixes or revised timetables, but a comprehensive overhaul of the network’s infrastructure and management. Mumbai’s lifeline is derailing - both literally and figuratively - and the city can no longer afford to wait for a solution.
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