My Worst Nightmare and the Papa Who Never Made it Back Home

Today, tragedy struck again on Mumbai’s lifeline — the suburban railway — as over five commuters fell off an overcrowded local train near Mumbra. This is not an isolated incident; it is a recurring nightmare for millions who brave these trains every single day.

As a child, I remember dreading the moment my father left for work each morning. Every evening, he’d return with tales of near-misses — of the unbearable crush, the breathlessness inside the compartment, of shoes lost and toes stepped on, of being dragged involuntarily by the crowd. And sometimes, the story ended with someone not coming back at all.

Today’s accident is a continuation of that grim legacy. Despite countless lives lost, despite public outcry, the system remains broken. The minister remains indifferent. And the daily gamble with death continues for Mumbai’s commuters.