Mumbai Local Trains: How Safe Is Your Journey? Shocking Mobile Theft Incident Leaves Commuter Gravely Injured

Mumbai’s local trains are celebrated as the lifeline of the city and even the country. But a recent horrifying incident near Thane has once again raised serious questions about just how safe these busy commutes really are.

The latest tragedy occurred between Shahad and Ambivali stations, when Gaurav Nikam, a commuter, lost both legs after falling from a moving train during a mobile phone snatching attempt. Gaurav was sitting by the train door when a thief suddenly grabbed his phone, yanking him off balance. In his attempt to save his phone, Gaurav fell off the moving train and was crushed, suffering catastrophic injuries to his legs.

After the incident, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Gaurav, still in shock, recounted that as he tried to cling onto the train door during the snatching, his grip slipped and he fell onto the tracks.

This is not an isolated case. According to data from the Government Railway Police (GRP), more than 26,000 mobile phones were stolen from Mumbai local trains between January 2023 and May 2025 — and these are just the reported cases! Certain train lines, like the one to Wadala, are notorious hotspots for such thefts, earning a reputation even among criminals.

Authorities have acted quickly on Gaurav’s case. Kalyan GRP managed to apprehend a minor thief from Irani Basti, a repeat offender who has reportedly been caught five times before for similar crimes. Police have requested that he be tried as an adult, noting Irani Basti as a so-called “breeding ground” for mobile snatchers.

Despite ongoing surveillance and regular police patrols, mobile theft remains rampant. For every official statistic, there are likely many more cases that go unreported. This has led to widespread concerns about the effectiveness of security measures and the claims of both railway authorities and police.

Passengers themselves need to exercise caution: sitting at the open train doors or using phones near them is extremely risky. As Gaurav’s incident illustrates, a single moment of negligence can result in life-changing, even deadly, consequences.

While Gaurav survived, it came at an enormous cost — his legs. The incident is a bitter reminder of the risks faced by lakhs of daily riders. For a truly safe commute, both authorities and passengers must take stronger safety measures and remain vigilant. Only then can Mumbai’s local trains truly live up to their reputation as the lifeline of the nation.

What are your thoughts on safety in Mumbai’s locals? Have you or someone you know experienced such threats? Let us know in the comments—and stay connected with us for more updates on stories that matter.