In a proactive step to address the growing concerns of overcrowding in Mumbai’s suburban railway system, Member of Parliament from Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, has urged the railway administration to introduce fast local train services from Diva to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Dr. Shinde assured that he would take the matter up with the central government, emphasizing the long-standing public demand for improved and faster connectivity from Diva.

Following Monday’s tragic accident near Mumbra railway station, where five passengers lost their lives after falling off a crowded local train, Dr. Shinde personally visited Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa to meet the injured victims and check on their condition. Addressing the media during his visit, he said, “The incident took place near a curve close to Mumbra station, where passengers from both the up and down local trains fell—some outside the train and some inside.”

Dr. Shinde highlighted the urgent need to improve services on the Kalyan-Karjat route, pointing out that a large population resides in the belt and relies heavily on suburban trains. "Commuter organizations have continuously demanded increased frequency of locals on this route," he said.

He acknowledged the operationalization of the fifth and sixth railway lines between Thane and Kalyan, which has helped increase train frequency. However, he stressed the need to extend these lines up to CSMT to ensure seamless connectivity and reduce passenger load on existing services. He noted that the railway authorities are working on this extension, which, once completed, will allow more trains to be added to the schedule.

Dr. Shinde also stated that work on constructing the third and fourth lines beyond Kalyan is progressing, with land acquisition currently underway. He added that improving infrastructure alone isn’t enough—upgrading existing 12-coach trains to 15-coach ones is also vital for better crowd management and passenger safety.