Recent crimes on Mumbai's suburban railway network, often called the city's lifeline, have sparked fresh concerns over passenger safety. Following a series of incidents, including deadly assaults and cases of harassment of women, the Maharashtra government has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening security across the local train network.
During the monsoon session of the legislature, MLA Ravindra Phatak raised the issue of passenger safety in Mumbai city and suburbs through a calling attention motion. Responding to this, State Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam outlined the government's proposed action plan.
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Special security plan for vulnerable stations
Kadam said passenger safety at Mumbai's railway stations and on local trains is a top priority. The government will identify sensitive railway stations and surrounding areas and prepare a dedicated security plan for each.
Joint operations involving the Railway Police, local police and the railway administration will be intensified to curb criminal activities. Sensitive zones will be mapped, and Joint Commissioner-level officers will be assigned to oversee security arrangements, conduct inspections and submit reports to the government for prompt action.
Demand to increase local train services
Noting the problem of overcrowding of the suburban rail network in Mumbai, the minister stated that the state government would request the Centre to increase the number of local train services and augment the coaching fleet in order to decongest trains, thereby ensuring passengers’ safety and convenience.
Security for women passengers
Several legislators also raised concerns over incidents of molestation and harassment of women on local trains.
Kadam said the government is considering extending the duration of the special security arrangement currently available in women's coaches. At present, the service operates from 9 pm to 6 am. A proposal to extend it until 8 am will be implemented after completing the required legal procedures.
Special drive against criminals
The minister acknowledged that people with criminal backgrounds often loiter at railway stations and platforms. To tackle the issue, the Railway Police and railway administration will launch special drives across major stations to identify suspicious individuals and take strict action against offenders.
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Face recognition CCTV surveillance
The government also plans to strengthen railway security through technology by increasing the number of CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition systems at major railway stations.
Security arrangements inside local train coaches will also be reviewed, and the state government will coordinate with the Centre to implement further improvements wherever required.
Kadam said the government is committed to making Mumbai's local train network safer through better coordination between the police, railway authorities and the use of modern surveillance technology.