By Commuters at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) faced an unusual and dangerous disruption on Monday afternoon. Train services on the Harbour Line were briefly halted after a man, who was allegedly in an intoxicated state, decided to lie down directly on the railway tracks. The incident took place near Platform Number 1, one of the busiest spots in the city’s massive railway network. Fortunately, a major tragedy was avoided thanks to the quick thinking of a train driver and alert passengers.
The drama began around 3:00 PM when the man was spotted stretched out between the rails. He had even covered himself with a white cloth, appearing as if he were settling in for a nap in the middle of the tracks. At the same time, a local train traveling from Panvel was entering the station. As the train approached the platform, the motorman noticed the individual lying ahead. Showing great presence of mind, the driver immediately applied the emergency brakes and sounded a continuous, loud horn to wake the man up.
Witnesses at the station were shocked by the sight. Many commuters began shouting and waving their hands to get the man’s attention and warn the train driver. Despite the loud noise and the train stopping just inches away from him, the man did not get up right away. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and station staff rushed to the spot as soon as they were informed. They had to physically lift and remove the man from the tracks to clear the path for the train.
Once the man was safely off the tracks, he was taken into custody by the railway police. Officials identified him as an 18-year-old named Avinash Prakash Kardile. It is believed that he had entered the station area to collect plastic bottles but ended up falling asleep on the tracks due to his heavy intoxication. The police have registered a criminal case against him under Section 147 of the Railway Act, which deals with trespassing on railway property.
The incident caused a ripple effect across the Harbour Line schedule. The 3:28 PM Panvel-bound local train was delayed, and several other following services were also held up for about 20 to 30 minutes. While the delay was frustrating for thousands of daily travelers, most were relieved that no one was injured. Normal operations gradually resumed after the tracks were declared safe and clear by the authorities.
This event has sparked a lot of discussion on social media after videos of the man sleeping on the tracks went viral. Many people praised the motorman for his alertness, while others expressed concern over how easily someone could wander onto the tracks in such a high-security area. Railway officials have reminded the public that walking or sleeping on tracks is not only illegal but extremely life-threatening. They have promised to increase patrolling around the platforms to prevent such dangerous incidents from happening again.
Harbour Line services at Mumbai’s CSMT were briefly delayed after an intoxicated man lay down on the railway tracks near Platform 1. A motorman applied emergency brakes, preventing a major tragedy. The man was removed by RPF personnel and booked under the Railway Act for trespassing. Train services were delayed by 20–30 minutes before normal operations resumed.
