Mumbai Viral Video: Man's Desperate Attempt To Exit Local Train Highlights Daily Chaos | Watch

A recent video highlighting the daily struggles of Mumbai's local train commuters has gone viral, drawing attention to the severe overcrowding and difficulties faced by passengers.

In the footage, a man is seen desperately trying to exit a crowded local train, only to be met with a surge of people pushing their way inside. This chaotic scene starkly contrasts with the often romanticised portrayal of Mumbai's bustling spirit in media and entertainment.

The video has amassed nearly one million views, sparking widespread discussion about the everyday challenges faced by Mumbaikars. Comments on the video reflect frustration and concern over the ongoing issues with local train travel.

One user remarked, "People suffocate, abuse, push others away, and fight to board a local train. This happens only in Vishwaguru Bharat."

Another commenter expressed disappointment, saying, "It's a shame that authorities have been unable to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for passengers in Mumbai for many decades."

A third user noted, "This has been happening in Mumbai for ages. Probably not a single day passes without such incidents in Mumbai local trains."

"This is new normal there in local train," said a fourth user.

Bombay High Court Criticises Railways Over The Situation

On June 26, the Bombay High Court criticised the Central and Western Railways for the high number of commuter deaths on Mumbai's local trains. Urging immediate action, the court proposed forming an expert committee to investigate the issue and emphasised the need for a strong system to prevent further fatalities, according to Live Law.

Chief Justice Upadhyaya expressed deep concern, stating, "We need a robust system in place to address this issue. It's a shame. Sorry to use this word. I feel ashamed of the way passengers are forced to commute on local trains."

The bench highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, "This time, we are going to hold the officers accountable at the highest level. The situation in Mumbai is pathetic. You [Railways] cannot be content with stating that you are transporting 3.3 million people daily. You cannot also claim that you are doing a good job given the number of passengers in Mumbai."

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Virar resident Yatin Jadhav reported that 2,590 commuters died on Mumbai's suburban rail network in 2023, averaging seven deaths per day. The petition identified trespassing, falls from trains, and accidents involving gaps or poles as major causes, resulting in nearly five fatalities daily.

Advocate Rohan Shah, representing Jadhav, compared commuting in Mumbai's local trains to a warzone due to the high death rate. "Going to college or work is like going to war, as fatalities exceed those of soldiers on active duty in other cities," Shah remarked during the hearing.

In response, the Western Railway highlighted recent improvements in infrastructure and safety, including compliance with court directives and the construction of foot-over bridges. They noted that Mumbai's suburban rail network handles approximately 3.3 million passengers daily through more than 1,500 services and has implemented numerous safety measures over the years.