Passengers Perspectives on overcrowding in Mumbai Local Trains
Authors:
Shraddha Surve – 57
Priyanka Naik – 37
Vinayak Avchite – 02
MSS- A
- Introduction :
Overcrowding in Mumbai’s local trains has become a significant issue, impacting passenger comfort, safety, and overall travel experience. Despite being a primary mode of transportation for millions, the excessive number of commuters during peak hours leads to physical discomfort, delays, and increased risk of accidents. Understanding passengers’ perspectives on this issue is essential to identify potential solutions and improve the daily commute for Mumbai’s train users.
- Objectives:
To analyse passengers’ perspectives on overcrowding in Mumbai local trains and their key challenges and explore potential solutions for improving the commuting experience.
- Literature review:
- Frustrations and Friendships: The Impact of Overcrowding on Mumbai’s Suburban Rail Passengers
Hirsch, Thompson, Danielle, 2017, they studied “Frustrations, Fights, and Friendships” explores the physical, emotional, and behavioural effects of high-density crowding on Mumbai’s suburban rail passengers. Through qualitative research, including interviews and observations, the authors find that extreme crowding leads to physical risks (such as injuries and property damage), emotional stress (frustration, fear, and anxiety), and varied social behaviours. While overcrowding often results in conflicts and fights, it also fosters unexpected camaraderie and mutual assistance among passengers. The research highlights how cultural and situational factors influence public transport experiences, with potential implications for improving commuter conditions
2. Navigating Crowded Commutes: Risks, Stress, and Social Bonds in Mumbai’s Local Trains
Shikha, Mullick, Ray, 2013, they examine the effects of extreme crowding on Mumbai’s suburban train passengers. It finds that overcrowding leads to physical risks like injuries, emotional stress such as frustration and anxiety, and social behaviours that range from fights to unexpected camaraderie. While the packed conditions create tension and conflicts, they also foster acts of kindness and shared resilience among commuters.
- Data Collection :
For the study on the effects of overcrowding in Mumbai’s suburban trains, we designed a questionnaire with five questions using a Likert scale. We distributed the survey to 100 students of KBS through a Google Form. The response options were Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree, which were coded as 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. The hypothesized mean was set at 3. For each question, we calculated the mean, standard deviation, standard error, and z-scores to analyze the responses. The five questions included in the survey were as follows:
1. I experience overcrowding during peak hours.
2. I find it hard to board and exit.
3. Overcrowding affects my well-being.
4. I believe flexible hours will reduce rush.
5. I am willing to pay extra for better service.
- Data Analysis:
Table
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Mean
4.27
4.1
3.83
3.98
3.79
Standard Deviation
0.98
0.94
0.98
1.05
1.23
Standard Error
0.31
0.30
0.31
0.33
0.39
Z
4.11
3.69
2.68
2.96
2.04
Result
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
Positive
- Conclusion :
People respondents positive that they experience overcrowding, confirming the widespread issue of congestion in Mumbai’s suburban trains.
People gave positive response, indicating that while some passengers find it difficult to board and exit, others do not face significant challenges.
People gave positive response, negative effect on well-being, though not strongly significant, implying that some respondents feel affected while others may have adapted to the situation.
People gave positive inclination toward the belief that staggered working hours could help alleviate peak-hour crowding.
People positive stance, suggesting that while some passengers may be open to paying more for improved services, others may be hesitant due to financial constraints or scepticism about service improvements.
- Reference :
Hirsch Lily,Thompson Kirrilly, Every Danielle, 2017/02/20, Frustrations, Fights, and Friendships: The Physical, Emotional, and Behavioural Effects of High- Density Crowding on Mumbai’s Suburban Rail Passengers, 22, 10.46743/2160-3715/2017.2488, Qualitative Report
Agarwal Shikha, Mullick Abir, Ray G, 2013/09/30, 531,535, An Observational Study on Usability Issues in Mumbai Local Trains,57,10.1177/1541931213571114, Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting
Passengers Perspectives on overcrowding in Mumbai Local Trains