In 2023, Mumbai's suburban railway network saw a slight increase in track-related deaths. The Government Railway Police (GRP) data reported 2,590 fatalities, which is an increase from 2,507 last year.
Despite the increase, railway authorities have been proactive in their efforts to prevent such incidents. They have been constructing foot over bridges (FoB). The goal is to implement trespass control measures and provide commuter counselling.
According to government data, 2,441 individuals were injured and 2,590 lost their lives. The Western Railway (WR) reported 940 fatalities, while the Central Railway (CR) reported 1,650. In 2023, 1,277 people died while crossing railway tracks, and 590 died after falling from moving trains.
Among the deaths, 121 were suicides. Natural causes accounted for 529 deaths on trains or at stations. Other causes included falling through gaps (10 deaths), hitting poles (4 deaths), and electrocution (14 deaths). The cause of death for 13 individuals is still under investigation.
Most fatalities occurred when individuals were crossing railroads. Four suburban railway stations—Borivali and Vasai on the WR, and Thane, Kurla, and Kalyan on the CR—reported the highest number of such deaths. Of the total injured, 241 were crossing tracks and got injured, and 1,242 fell off moving trains and got hurt.
In comparison, the Mumbai suburban railway reported 2,507 fatalities and 2,155 injuries in 2022. The WR saw 922 deaths, while the CR reported 1,585.
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