Alter Work Hours: Railways Plea To Offices To Ease Mumbai Local Overcrowding
Railway police statistics reveal that between January and May 2025, Mumbai local train accidents claimed the lives of 922 people, with 210 fatalities caused due to people falling from crowded trains.
Central Railway has requested approximately 800 government and private offices in Mumbai to alter their work timings in a bid to reduce overcrowding in Mumbai local during peak hours, NDTV reported on Thursday.
The letters sent by the railway suggest that even slightly adjusted office timings can distribute crowd pressure, and offer a safer and more comfortable travel experience for commuters, according to the report.
As per Central Railway's data, around 3.5 million passengers travel on 1,810 local trains daily. The similar work hours lead to incessant crowding during these durations, posing a safety hazard to commuters.
According to Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer of Central Railway, this proposal was first introduced in November 2023 but has been revived owing to a rise in accidents and passenger safety concerns, the report stated.
Railway police statistics reveal that between January and May 2025, Mumbai local train accidents claimed the lives of 922 people, with 210 fatalities caused due to people falling from crowded trains, according to the report.
So far 46 small offices have supported the proposal, but the railway expects larger institutions to join the initiative for a noticeable impact. Central Railway has also requested the state government to provide institutional support and promote shift-based reporting in major institutions.
This initiative by Central Railway is a pivotal initiative for ensuring passenger safety and creating a more efficient transportation system in Mumbai, the report said.
