In a step towards crowd-control, Mumbai locals to get metro-like seating arrangements

Over the past few months, the lack of space and excess of passengers in local trains all over Mumbai, saw some tragic incidents. After the death of Dombivali resident, Bhavesh Nakate, who fell off a running train on November 27, the Central Railway has proposed certain measure to reduce the rush and overcrowding in trains.

Eight new trains to Central Railway's Main Line and Harbour Line, each, and twenty new between the Thane and Navi Mumbai, will be added.

Besides the additions, the authorities have taken a decision which would expectedly increase space for the standees. Quite like metro, the seating arrangements of the trains will be along the wall, on the periphery, in each compartment. It is expected that these trains will hit the tracks within two months.

Up until November, 697 passengers have fallen off running trains, resulting in a staggering 453 deaths, just on the Central Lines

This would not be the first time that Central Railway came up with the idea. Although it was considered a few times before, it never materialised. But with the current numbers in sight, Central Railway has decided to go ahead with it this time, at least at a beta stage.

It has been estimated that with the change in seating arrangements, the current capacity of 104 will shrink to just 66, but the standing capacity would nearly be doubled. In another decision, the number of halts are supposed to go up as well. Currently, Vikhroli and Parel are on the new additions' list.

Although these may be the solutions, they are for a short term. In words of Divisional Railway Manager, Central Railway, Amitabh Ojha, "While bigger and more expensive solutions are being worked out, for now the focus will be on smart quick-fixes."