Title: Experience of Students Due To Overcrowding In Peak Hour
Authors: Shravani Kalage (0225015)
Rahul Sawalkar (0225044)
Nikita Sonawane (0225050)
Introduction:
This research examines the impact of overcrowding during peak hours on students’ commuting experiences. It explores the physical, emotional, and social challenges students face, including stress, safety concerns, and time management issues. By analyzing these factors, the study aims to highlight the broader effects of overcrowded transportation on student well-being and academic performance.
Objective:
To understand the phenomenon of overcrowding during peak hours and its impact on students’ commuting experiences and well-being.
Literature Review:
According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (2025), Mumbai’s suburban railway system carries millions of passengers daily, often exceeding its designed capacity. Overcrowding in suburban railway systems is a major transportation challenge in metropolitan cities like Mumbai. The suburban rail network operated by Indian Railways carries nearly 7.5 million passengers daily, making it one of the busiest in the world. However, during peak hours, trains often exceed their designed capacity, creating unsafe and uncomfortable travel conditions. Studies indicate that a train designed for about 2,400 passengers may carry more than 6,000 commuters (Comptroller and Auditor General of India, 2025). Overcrowding also increases the risk of accidents, as many passengers travel near open doors or on footboards. Experts suggest infrastructure expansion and improved public transport systems to address this issue.
According to Indian Railways (2020), the suburban railway network in Mumbai is one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the world, carrying around 7.5 million passengers daily. However, rapid population growth and limited transport infrastructure have led to severe overcrowding in trains. Studies indicate that trains often operate far beyond their designed capacity, creating unsafe travel conditions and increasing the risk of accidents such as falling from trains or track crossing (John Pucher & Nisha Korattyswaroopam, 2004). Researchers have suggested solutions such as expanding railway infrastructure, introducing double-decker trains, and improving urban transport planning to reduce congestion and enhance commuter safety.
Data Collection:
To understand the underline issues following 5 questions where framed to be answered on likert scale. A google form was prepared and our friends from KBS where requested to fill the form which had linear scale 1 for strongly disagree and 5 for strongly agree. The data was downloaded in excel sheet 100 persons where survey for every question Mean, Standard Deviation(SD), Standard Error(SE) and T-stat were calculated.
1. I experience heavy crowding during peak hours in local trains
2. It is difficult to board trains during peak hours.
3. I have to wait a long time for trains during peak hours.
4. Travelling during peak hours is uncomfortable.
5. Flexible working hours can reduce peak-hour train rush.
|
Data Analysis |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
Q5 |
|
Mean |
4.14 |
4.17 |
2.88 |
4.22 |
3.77 |
|
SD |
1.19 |
1.06 |
1.6 |
1 |
1.27 |
|
SE |
0.12 |
0.11 |
0.16 |
0.1 |
0.13 |
|
T-stat |
9.59 |
10.99 |
-0.75 |
12.19 |
6.06 |
|
Result |
Positive |
Positive |
Negative |
Positive |
Positive |
Conclusion:
People experience heavy crowding during peak hours in local trains.
People face difficulty to board trains during peak hours.
People are negative towards long waiting times for trains during peak hours.
Travelling during peak hours is uncomfortable for people.
People are positive towards flexible working hours to reducing peak- hour train rush.
Reference:
Anvaya, s. (2012). Central railways put 15 car locals on track. INDIA: DNA INDIA Comptroller and Auditor General of India (2025).
Report on suburban railway capacity and infrastructure. OneIndia. (2025)