In response to rising fatalities from overcrowded suburban trains, the Maharashtra government is taking new steps to ease peak-hour congestion in Mumbai and its surrounding areas. A task force has been set up to assess the feasibility of staggered work timings in private companies across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), following the deaths of five passengers on a single morning in June 2025 between Mumbra and Diva stations.
As an immediate measure, the state has altered reporting hours for government staff. Employees will now begin their day 30 minutes later than usual and finish work half an hour later, without reducing total work hours. This move is aimed at easing the morning rush on local trains, which transport nearly eight million commuters daily.
Despite the development of metro lines, overcrowding continues to strain the city’s rail network, especially between 8–11 am and 5–8 pm. Over the last three years, more than 7,500 people have died and over 7,200 have been injured while using Mumbai’s local train system—many due to falls or track-related accidents.
To spread commuter load, the state is now urging private firms to adopt alternate office schedules. Central Railway has already approached 800 companies to explore options such as 8 am–4 pm or 10 am–6 pm shifts. A pilot phase of these changes is expected to launch soon.
In parallel, alternative transport systems are under consideration. Projects involving pod taxis, ropeways, and water transport have been revived. Land for pod taxis in Bandra-Kurla Complex has been cleared, with expansion plans targeting Mira-Bhayander, Thane and Navi Mumbai.
Meanwhile, safety upgrades to local trains are being discussed, including the addition of automatic doors. The government has clarified that the enhancements will not lead to a fare hike.
