Railway commuters must avoid risky behaviour
**Enhancing Commuter Safety: The Promise of Closed-Door Local Trains in Mumbai**
Flagging commuter safety as a priority, Railway Minister Ashwini Vishnaw has announced that Mumbai will soon start getting closed-door local trains. While the initiative is a commendable step towards ensuring passenger safety, it remains to be seen how effectively it will be implemented.
Discussions about closed doors on local trains have been ongoing for some time, but this is one of the first instances where the minister has made concrete statements, including a clear timeline for their introduction. Until these closed doors become a reality, it is imperative that commuters exercise caution—especially by staying away from the doors during non-peak hours.
Often, even in relatively empty compartments, many commuters can be seen crowding near the doors. Attempting to be the quickest to alight, they balance themselves precariously and sometimes step out before the train has come to a complete halt. This behavior is dangerous and puts their safety at risk.
Another cause for concern is commuters standing near the doors while chatting on their cell phones. This distraction can be hazardous since a sudden jerk or inadvertent push may result in loss of balance or alertness at a critical moment.
In addition, there are those who seek thrills or social media attention by performing stunts near the train doors. Despite numerous cases of grievous injury and even fatalities, this reckless behavior continues, highlighting the need for greater awareness and enforcement.
Vendors who squat near the doors to hawk goods further reduce the available space, adding to the risk. Some commuters even jog alongside moving trains to jump in through the doors or extend helping hands to friends on the platform, which is unnecessary and highly unsafe.
All of these actions can be avoided and pose serious dangers not only to the individuals involved but also to fellow passengers. Until the closed-door local trains are operational—no matter when that happens—each commuter must take personal responsibility for their own safety.
Let us prioritize caution and mindfulness while commuting, ensuring a safer journey for all.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/railway-commuters-must-avoid-risky-behaviour-23595320
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