Parsik Station Revival Back On Railway Board Agenda Amid Kalwa Safety Concerns

The safety concerns in the Kalwa-Mumbra section of the Mumbai railway network have resurfaced following claims of four passengers falling from a moving local train in the Kalwa area over a span of three days. The Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh has highlighted overcrowding and the closure of access to Kalwa Carshed-bound trains as contributing factors to the danger zone status of the area. The association has called for an investigation into the incidents and promised a protest if no action is taken within 15 days.

Central Railway, however, stated that the Carshed lines had been misused by commuters boarding trains, which practice has now been halted. The railway assured that only one case of a commuter falling from a train had been reported recently. Safety measures, including an inquiry and regular patrolling, are being taken by the railway authorities in the Kalwa-Mumbra and Thane regions.

In addition to the safety concerns, there is renewed interest in reviving Parsik Station as a suburban halt. The demand was brought to the forefront during a meeting of the Suburban Railway Users Consultative Committee (SRUCC) on July 24. Siddhesh Desai, a representative of the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, sought a feasibility study for the revival of the historic railway point.

Parsik Station holds historical significance as it was the final stop of India's first trial train in November 1852. Reviving the station could preserve this heritage while addressing current commuter hardships. Desai also proposed a safety and commuter-impact study, along with the modernization of Parsik Station as a suburban halt.