On the 18th anniversary of the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, the top officials laid a wreath and lit candle before the memorials on the seven Western Line station that were affected in the blast. 

On the evening of 11th July 2006, Mumbai’s local train network was targeted by a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. Between 6:24 pm and 6:35 pm, seven bombs exploded in the first-class compartments of trains on the Western Line. 

These bombs, placed in pressure cookers inside bags, detonated during the peak evening rush hour, killing 209 people and injuring over 700.

The blasts caused widespread devastation. Train carriages were torn apart, and the injured were left lying on the tracks and platforms. 

The explosions occurred at Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Borivali, and Mira Road stations. Despite the chaos, local residents, railway staff, and fellow commuters quickly rallied to assist the victims, providing first aid and arranging transport to hospitals.

Amidst the initial shock, the people of Mumbai displayed remarkable bravery and compassion. Strangers helped each other, offering medical aid and comfort. 

Hospitals across the city were flooded with casualties, and medical staff worked tirelessly to treat the wounded. 

Following the bombings, Indian authorities swiftly launched an investigation. They identified Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) as the groups responsible. 

The perpetrators used sophisticated timing devices--IEDs--to ensure the bombs detonated almost simultaneously, maximising the impact. Numerous arrests were made in the subsequent months, and by September 2015, 12 men were convicted, with five receiving death sentences.

Each year, on 11th July, Mumbai holds memorials and services to honour the victims of the train bombings.