Mumbai CSMT Railway Strike Leads to Two Passenger Deaths
The recent flash strike by Central Railway’s worker unions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) has had devastating consequences. Last Thursday evening, the strike, lasting nearly an hour, halted all train services during rush hour. This disruption led to significant crowding on the station’s platforms.
Tragically, two individuals were struck by a train while attempting to cross the tracks after waiting for nearly an hour. The victims were identified as Hailey Mohmaya, 19, from Matunga, and Suryakant Naik, 45, a resident of Mira Road. Additionally, three others sustained injuries, with one woman reported to be in critical condition.
Background of the Strike
The unrest among railway employees stems from a recent conflict with the Government Railway Police (GRP). The GRP registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two Central Railway engineers concerning an incident in Mumbra back in June, where five people lost their lives.
The Mumbra Incident
On June 9, eight commuters fell from two trains between Mumbra and Diva stations. This tragic event resulted in five fatalities and injuries to six others, including three passengers onboard. An internal inquiry conducted by the Central Railway concluded that the accident was caused by a crowded train’s footboard striking a commuter with a large bag on the opposite train, leading to a domino effect.
Investigation Findings
Despite the Central Railway’s report clearing its employees of blame, the Thane GRP found evidence of negligence. Their investigation determined that unsafe train operations and poor track maintenance, exacerbated by weather conditions, contributed to the accident. The GRP registered the FIR based on findings from the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) and its own assessments.
Charges Filed
The FIR named Assistant Divisional Engineer Vishal Dolas, Senior Section Engineer Samar Yadav, and other officials responsible for track safety. They faced charges related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among others.
Reactions to the FIR
In response to the FIR, railway officials accused the GRP of improper investigation procedures and questioned VJTI’s technical competency. They planned to meet with Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the matter and expressed their dissatisfaction, eventually leading to the strike that paralyzed the city during peak hours.
Impact of the Strike
- Duration: Nearly one hour
- Casualties: 2 dead, 3 injured
- Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
The flash strike has highlighted ongoing tensions between railway workers and authorities while also raising serious safety concerns within the railway system. The incident calls for urgent dialogue to address the grievances and ensure passenger safety.
