Air-conditioned train in western India overcrowded with passengers
August 10, 2024
In western India’s Maharashtra, a recently introduced air-conditioned local train, designed for a more comfortable commute, was overwhelmed by passengers.
The incident took place at Mira Road station of Mumbai city and the video went viral on August 9.
Visuals showed how the crowd is rushing towards the entry gates of the local train even before the train halts at the station. A perilous situation where men can be seen flocking for a simple train.
According to reports, this situation arose due to the lack of enough non-AC trains, forcing many commuters to board the AC train, transforming it into what some called “cattle class.” The term highlights the overcrowded and chaotic conditions, similar to how livestock might be transported.
Mumbai’s local trains are the city’s lifeline, carrying millions of people daily. The introduction of AC local trains aimed to offer a more pleasant journey for those willing to pay a higher fare. However, the limited availability of these trains and the overwhelming demand have led to instances like this, where the intended comfort is lost in the crowd.