Panic buttons will soon be installed at either end of 117 railway stations (some already have these buttons) on Central Railway’s (CR) main and harbour lines on an experimental basis, enabling commuters to alert railway staff, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and control rooms during incidents such as accidents, overcrowding, or criminal activities. The measure, first planned in 2023, assumes significance following the June 9 Mumbra tragedy.

The measure, which was first planned in 2023, assumes significance following the June 9 Mumbra tragedy, which resulted in the death of four commuters. A CR spokesperson said that panic buttons had been installed by Railtel Corporation India Limited (RCIL) on the main and harbour lines of CR. A few stations where they have been installed include Byculla, Chinchpokli, Currey Road, Mulund, Dockyard Road and Cotton Green, he added.

(From left) A panic button recently installed at Mulund station; a row of handles for footboard commuters in a Bombardier-class train. Pics/Rajendra B. Aklekar