Maharashtra Government Sets Up Task Force to Tackle Mumbai Local Train Overcrowding with Staggered Office Timings

Mumbai — In a major step toward addressing the crisis of overcrowded Mumbai local trains, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced the formation of a dedicated task force to explore staggered office timings for private establishments across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This initiative comes after a tragic incident on June 9, in which five commuters died after falling off overcrowded trains between Mumbra and Diva stations.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik made the announcement during a state assembly session, responding to growing concerns from legislators about the alarming number of fatalities on Mumbai’s lifeline — its suburban rail network.
 

Over 7,500 Deaths in 3 Years Due to Train Overcrowding

In a startling revelation, Sarnaik disclosed that 7,565 commuters lost their lives and 7,293 were injured while commuting in local trains over the past three years. These numbers underscore the severity of the issue and have amplified the demand for immediate and innovative solutions.

“The metro network was introduced with the aim to reduce pressure on local trains, but it hasn’t delivered the expected relief yet,” Sarnaik said. “The growing population of the MMR continues to increase commuter load on the railways.”

What the Task Force Will Do

The newly formed task force will consist of:

• State government officials
• Railway representatives
• Members of private sector organizations

Their primary goal will be to assess the feasibility of staggering office hours in the private sector, thereby reducing peak-hour congestion on suburban trains.

“We’ve already implemented relaxed work hours for government staff,” Sarnaik noted. “We aim to do the same for private companies, and this task force will help us chart a practical path forward.”

 

Infrastructure Solutions in the Pipeline: Pod Taxis, Ropeways, and More

In addition to staggered timings, the government is looking at long-term solutions to ease commuter pressure, including:

• Water transport
• Bike taxis
• Ropeways
• Pod taxis

Notably, land has been allocated in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for a pod taxi project to be implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Further plans include extending the service to Mira-Bhayander, Thane, and Navi Mumbai.

Sarnaik said that the first pod taxi project in India could be launched in Baroda within a couple of months, in collaboration with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. “I’ve personally visited the project site. It's a promising solution,” he said.

 

Pod Taxis: A Game-Changer for Urban Mobility?

Pod taxis, or Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), are small, automated, driverless vehicles designed to carry individual passengers or small groups. Elevated above roadways, they operate on a network of tracks and are touted as a last-mile connectivity solution. With zero emissions and minimal footprint, they could significantly decongest high-traffic zones like MMR.
 

Automatic Doors on Trains: A Safety Boost

The state is also engaging with the Union Ministry of Railways to explore safety upgrades in suburban trains. Discussions have taken place around the installation of automatic door-closing mechanisms to prevent passengers from falling off overcrowded compartments.

“These safety mechanisms will be implemented without increasing train fares,” assured Sarnaik. “Once installed, we believe the number of fatalities will drop significantly.”
 

Citizens React to the Move

Commuters across the city welcomed the idea of staggered office hours, noting that overcrowding during peak hours has become unmanageable. Akash Soni, a Thane resident, shared his experience: “It’s nearly impossible to get into a train after 8:30 AM. If staggered timings help reduce the crowd, I’m all for it.”

Others urged the government to move faster on infrastructure upgrades. “New transport modes like ropeways and pod taxis are great ideas, but execution is key,” said Preeti Sharma, a daily commuter from Navi Mumbai.
 

Conclusion: Time for Bold, Coordinated Action
 

The formation of a task force and the proposed staggered office hours signal a serious acknowledgment of a problem that has plagued Mumbai’s commuters for decades. With thousands of lives lost and millions affected by daily crowding, it is clear that incremental efforts are no longer enough.

Whether through modern transport infrastructure, policy changes, or inter-agency coordination, the Maharashtra government seems poised to tackle the issue with a multi-pronged approach.

The success of this initiative, however, will depend on swift implementation, corporate cooperation, and public support — because in Mumbai, every safe commute is a step toward a more livable city.