It's risky and dangerous, but there is just no other option. The mad rush in Mumbai's local trains is a nightmare for commuters. With over double the number of passengers squeezed during peak hours, the biggest demand in the budget this year is for more trains for a decent commute.
"Students like us suffer because of crowds and to stop this, we need more coaches," said a 'Mumbaikar' when asked about his commuting experience in the local trains. For senior citizens, the struggle for space is even more exhausting. "I am 73 and during peak hours it's very difficult. A separate coach for senior citizens should be provided along with those dedicated for the specially-abled," said a commuter. And women commuters demand the number of ladies' compartments be increased.
Mumbai's suburban railway network carries over 75 lakh people daily. Shockingly, since 2001, 51,000 such people have lost their lives. On an average, 3,400 passengers are killed on Mumbai's tracks annually.
"Every day 10 commuters are dying on tracks due to overflowing trains. Today, in a train they are packing commuters of 10 to 15 stations. In 3 stations that train is packed. It makes no sense," said Deepak Gandhi, former President of the Mumbai Suburban Railway Passengers' Association.
Pointing out a solution to overcrowding, Mr Gandhi had recommended that the railway authorities introduce a cyclic timetable format. A method based on three key principles - limited loading, uniform frequency and clearing traffic sector-wise. This, however, has not been implemented yet.
Local trains are called Mumbai's lifeline and for good reason. Mumbai is the only Indian city where millions depend on the local train and yet commuters complain that travelling conditions have hardly seen any significant improvement over the years. The Railway Minister is from Mumbai and understands this pressing issue, but will his budget bring some cheer for the city? That remains to be seen.
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