Mumbai Local Tragedy: Seven Dead In Multiple Rail Mishaps Despite Safety Measures

Mumbai, October 4: At least seven people lost their lives in a series of railway-related accidents across Mumbai’s suburban network on Friday, despite ongoing safety initiatives and awareness drives by the Indian Railways.

**Fatal Fall Near Koper Station**

One of the fatalities occurred near Koper station on the Central Railway line, where a commuter reportedly fell from a moving train. According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), the body was discovered around 3:10 p.m. near the up fast track.

“Prima facie, it appears to be a case of falling from a moving train. Further investigation is underway,” a GRP official said.

**Two Run Over Between Diva and Koper**

In another tragic incident, a man and a woman were run over by a railway engine on the fifth line between Diva and Koper stations. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to their presence on the tracks.

**Trespassing Suspected in Ambernath-Badlapur Death**

A person found unconscious near the up line between Ambernath and Badlapur was later declared dead by medical authorities. Sources suspect it may be a case of trespassing.

**Track Crossing Claims More Lives**

Another fatality was reported between Dativali and Nilje stations, where a man was struck while crossing the tracks. Later that night, around 10 p.m., another individual was run over between Ulhasnagar and Ambernath stations.

On the Western line, a separate accident occurred near Goregaon station, where a person attempting to cross the tracks was hit by a train.

**Officials Warn Against Track Crossing**

Despite infrastructure upgrades like foot overbridges (FOBs), escalators, and lifts, illegal track crossing remains a persistent hazard.

A railway official emphasized that such behavior is both dangerous and punishable under the Railway Act. “We have built numerous FOBs even in mid-sections, but people still take shortcuts by crossing tracks, which often proves fatal,” the official stated.

The Indian Railways continues to urge commuters to use designated crossing points and follow safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies on the suburban network.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-local-tragedy-seven-dead-in-multiple-rail-mishaps-despite-safety-measures

Virar–Dahanu Rail Quadrupling Nears Completion; Seven Potential New Stations Proposed

Seven potential new stations have been identified along the Virar–Dahanu section. These include Wadhiv, Sartodi, Makunsar, Chintupada, Panchali, Wanjarwada, and BSES Colony. It is important to note that these proposed stations are not part of the ongoing quadrupling project. However, they may be developed in the future if the need arises, even after the completion of the quadrupling work.

**Current Passenger Traffic**

Currently, there are only nine stations between Virar and Dahanu Road — including Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Palghar, Umroli, Boisar, and Vangaon. Passenger traffic along this route is already significant. Virar handles more than 5.8 lakh commuters daily, while Dahanu Road sees over 2.6 lakh. Even smaller stations like Vaitarna and Boisar experience consistently high footfall, reflecting the corridor’s importance for daily commuters.

**Progress of the Quadrupling Project**

The ambitious Rs 3,578 crore Virar–Dahanu Road quadrilateral rail corridor project has reached a significant milestone, with 86% of the earthwork — including cutting and filling — now completed, according to officials from the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC). This corridor is a key component of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase III and is set to transform suburban rail connectivity in the far northern suburbs. The project aims to reduce congestion and enhance the commuter experience between Virar and Dahanu.

So far, over 23.5 lakh cubic metres of earthwork filling and 2.18 lakh cubic metres of cutting have been successfully executed. The scale of civil engineering efforts underscores the corridor’s strategic importance in expanding Mumbai’s suburban rail network.

**Infrastructure Developments Along the Corridor**

Several bridges and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) were planned under the project, most of which have now been structurally completed. These include key crossings and waterway structures essential for uninterrupted rail traffic.

At Virar and Vaitarna, construction of RPF/GRP and RRI buildings, substations, gang tool rooms, and water tanks has been completed. Currently, deck and station building works are underway.

At Palghar, Saphale, Kelve Road, Boisar, Vangaon, Umroli, and Dahanu Road, the construction of new station buildings, foot over bridges (FOBs), connecting overpasses (COPs), staff quarters, relay huts, and operational control buildings is at an advanced stage. Finishing works are nearing completion at Umroli, Boisar, and Vangaon.

Signalling and telecom-related activities, including cable laying and other outdoor works, are progressing steadily across all locations.

**Expected Benefits**

Once operational, the upgraded corridor is expected to significantly increase the frequency and capacity of suburban services on the Western Railway line. This will ease the burden on existing infrastructure and improve daily commute times for thousands of passengers, contributing to a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

**Project Completion Timeline**

The quadrupling of the Virar–Dahanu Road section is a key element of a long-term strategy to strengthen suburban rail connectivity across Mumbai’s extended metropolitan region. Despite challenges related to land acquisition and forest clearances, the project is moving forward steadily.

The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) remains fully committed to completing the project by the end of the Financial Year 2026–27, barring unforeseen circumstances such as legal, environmental, or force majeure issues beyond control, according to an official.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/virardahanu-rail-quadrupling-nears-completion-seven-potential-new-stations-proposed