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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2511
ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026
OVERCROWDING AND SAFETY IN MUMBAI SUBURBAN RAIL NETWORK
2511 SMT. RAJANI ASHOKRAO PATIL:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the passenger load vis a vis capacity on Mumbai suburban services;
(b) the number of fatalities reported on tracks and platforms;
(c) the steps taken to augment rolling stock and infrastructure; and
(d) the reasons as to why commuter safety concerns remain unaddressed despite Mumbai being the
country’s busiest rail corridor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d): To cater to the needs of the commuters of Mumbai area, presently, about 120 originating
Mail/Express trains and about 3200 suburban trains are handled daily in Mumbai area. To increase train
handling capacity at various stations in Mumbai area, following works have been completed/taken
up/planned at various stations:
S.No. Location Details
1 Bandra Terminus 3 Pit Lines have been completed
2 Mumbai Central Platform extension for 24 LHB coaches
3 Jogeshwari 2 additional platforms
4 Dadar 1 additional platform
5 Vasai road 6 platforms, 3 pit lines and 5 stabling lines
6 Panvel-Kalamboli 5 platforms , 4 pit lines and 2 sick lines
7 Kalyan 6 platforms and 4 pit lines
8 LTT 4 platforms and 2 pit lines
9 Parel 6 platforms, 5 pit lines, 6 stabling lines
10 Virar 25 stabling lines
11 Dahanu road 11 stabling lines
12 Mira road 25 stabling lines
§Platform length extension:
In addition to above, Platform extension work at 34 stations to accommodate 15 car EMUs have
been taken up.
New projects for increasing capacity:
To improve the capacity of rail network in Mumbai suburban area, Mumbai Urban Transport
Project (MUTP)-II costing ₹8,087 crore, MUTP-III costing ₹10,947 crore and MUTP-IIIA costing
₹33,690 crore have been sanctioned. These projects include following works in Mumbai Suburban
Area:
S.No. Name of Project Cost
(in Cr.)
1 CSMT-Kurla 5th & 6th Line (MUTP-II) (17.5 km) 891
2 Mumbai Central-Borivali 6th Line (MUTP-II) (30 km) 919
3 Extension of Harbour Line from Goregaon-Borivali (MUTP-IIIA) (7 km) 826
4 Borivali-Virar 5th & 6th Line (MUTP-IIIA) (26 km) 2,184
5 Virar-Dahanu Road 3rd & 4th Line (MUTP-III) (64 km) 3,587
6 Panvel-Karjat Suburban Corridor (MUTP-III) (29.6 km) 2,782
Airoli-Kalwa (elevated) Suburban Corridor link
7 476
(MUTP-III) (3.3 km)
8 Kalyan-Asangaon 4thLine (MUTP-IIIA) (32 km) 1,759
9 Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd& 4th line (MUTP-IIIA) (14 km) 1,510
10 Kalyan-Kasara 3rd Line (67 km) 793
11 Naigaon-Juichandra double chord Line (6 km) 176
12 Nilaje-Kopar double chord Line (5 km) 338
13 Kalyan Yard remodeling work 866
New generation trains:
To enhance passenger carrying capacity, 238 rakes of 12 cars each with doors have been sanctioned
under MUTP-III & IIIA at a cost of ₹19,293 crore. The process for procurement of these rakes has been
taken up.
§The numbers of fatalities reported in Railways are published state-wise by National Crime Records
Bureau (NCRB) in their publication Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI). However, the
number of fatalities in Mumbai-Suburban is not published separately.
Safety:
Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a consequence of various safety
measures taken over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents.
Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the table below:-
Year Consequential Accidents
2014-15 135
2025-26 (upto 28.02.2026) 14 (90% lesser)
Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential
Accident Index, the details of which are as under:-
Consequential Accident Index: -
Year Accident Index
2014-15 0.11
2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser)
This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running kilometers of all
trains.
Accident Index =
234
165
135
55
31
14
2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26
(Feb 2026)
stnediccA
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laitneuqesnoC
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No. of consequential accidents
No. of trains X million kilometers runThe various safety measures, including track maintenance, taken to enhance safety in train
operations are as under:-
1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as
under:-
Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)
2013-14 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27
39,200 87,336 1,01,662 1,14,022 1,17,693 1,20,389
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have
been provided at 6,665 stations up to 28.02.2026 to reduce accidents due to human failure.
3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,153 Level Crossing Gates up to
28.02.2026 for enhancing safety at LC Gates.
4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by
electrical means has been provided at 6,669 stations up to 28.02.2026.
5. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g. mandatory correspondence
check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
6. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-
emphasized.
7. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco
Pilots.
8. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to
the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low
due to foggy weather.
9. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which
enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing
gates, etc.
10. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed
Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout
turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying
out primary track renewals.
11. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to
reduce human errors.
12. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and
avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety.
13. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective
rails.
§14. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adoption of better
welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt Welding.
15. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track
Recording Cars).
16. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
17. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works.
18. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe
practices.
19. Web based online monitoring system of track assets viz. Track database and decision support
system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.
20. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g. integrated block, corridor block,
worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued.
21. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train
operations.
22. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done.
23. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by
January 2019.
24. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of
repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these
inspections.
25. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in
all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to educate and alert passengers
regarding various Do’s and Don’ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying
any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties etc.
26. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in newly manufactured
Power Cars and Pantry Cars, Fire and Smoke detection system in newly manufactured coaches.
Progressive fitment of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a
phased manner.
27. Regular counseling and training of staff is undertaken.
28. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette
notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work of integrated maintenance/ repair/replacement of
assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan.
The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices, Technological
improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-
§2004-05 to 2013- 2014-25 Vs.
S.N. Item 2014-15 to 2024-25
14 2004-14
Technological Improvements
1. Use of high-quality rails 57,450 Km 1.43 Lakh Km More than 2
(60 Kg) (Km) times
2. Longer Rail Panels 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly 8 times
(260m) (Km)
3. Electronic Interlocking 837 Stations 3,691 Stations More than 4
(Stations) times
4. Fog Pass Safety Devices As on 31.03.14: As on 31.03.25: 25,939 288 times
(Nos.) 90 Nos. Nos.
5. Thick Web Switches (Nos.) Nil 28,301 Nos.
Better Maintenance Practices
1. Primary Rail Renewal 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times
(Track Km)
2. USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than 2
detection) Testing of Welds times
(Nos.)
3. Weld failures (Nos.) In 2013-14: 3699 In 2024-25: 90 % reduction
Nos. 370 Nos.
4. Rail fractures (Nos.) In 2013-14: 2548 In 2024-25: More than 88%
Nos. 289 Nos. reduction
Better Maintenance Practices
1. New Track KM added 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than 2
(Track Km) times
2. Flyovers 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than 3
(RoBs)/Underpasses (RUBs) times
(Nos.)
3. Unmanned Level crossings As on 31.03.14: As on 31.03.24:Nil Removed
(Nos.) on BG 8,948 (All eliminated by
31.01.19)
4. Manufacture of LHB 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than 18
Coaches (Nos.) times
§Implementation of Kavach:
Further to supplement the safety measures, Kavach which is an indigenously developed Automatic
Train Protection (ATP) system has been implemented.
1. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order
(SIL-4).
2. Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of trains within specified speed limits by automatic
application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during
inclement weather.
3. The first field trials on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience
gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA),
three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach Ver 3.2.
4. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July, 2020.
5. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
a. Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section.
b. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
c. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
d. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
e. Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
6. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and
experience gained, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0
was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
7. Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a
significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, IR has developed, tested
and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System.
8. Major improvement in Version 4.0 includes increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information
of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface
to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Ver. 4.0. is planned
for large scale deployment over Indian Railways.
9. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on
1452 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes as
below:
§S.No. Section Progress (Route Km)
(1) Delhi-Mumbai route:
i Junction cabin – Palwal – Mathura –Nagda section 667
ii Vadodara - Ahmedabad section 96
iii Vadodara - Virar section 336
(2) Delhi – Howrah route:
i Gaya Sarmatanr section 93
ii Chota Ambana - Bardhaman – Howrah section 260
10. Further, track side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 24,427 RKM covering all
GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian Railways.
11. Progress of key items of Kavach on High density routes including Delhi– Mumbai & Delhi–
Howrah corridors as on 28.02.26 are as under:
S.No Item Progress
i Laying of Optical Fibre Cable 8570 Km
ii Installation of Telecom Towers 1100 nos
iii Station Data Centre 767 Station
iv Installation of Track side equipment 6776 RKm
v Provision of Kavach in Loco 4154 nos
12. In addition, work for installation of Kavach in 8979 Locomotives and 1200 EMU/MEMU has been
taken up.
13. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of
Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials. By now more than 55,000 technicians,
operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This includes about 47,500 Loco
Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.
14. The cost for provision of Track Side including Station equipment of Kavach is approximately Rs.
50 Lakhs/Km and cost for provision of Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs. 80
Lakh/Loco.
15. The funds utilized on Kavach works so far up to Feb'26 is Rs. 2,763.90 Crores. The allocation of
funds during the year 2025-26 is Rs. 1673.19 Crores. Requisite funds are made available as per the
progress of works.
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