Mumbai Railway Stations' Non-Functional Metal Detectors Raise Security Concerns

A major security concern has been raised at several major Mumbai railway stations, where metal detectors and baggage scanners are either non-functional or remain unused. This issue has come to light after two recent murders on local trains, where the accused allegedly carried deadly weapons in their bags. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have intensified manual baggage checks and intelligence-based surveillance following the incidents.

The officials have stated that the huge passenger volume at Mumbai railway stations makes it difficult to screen every commuter without causing delays. However, passenger activist Samir Zaveri has pointed out that metal detectors serve little purpose if they are not functional or if no action is taken after they beep. He also mentioned that the system exists only at selected stations, allowing anyone carrying a weapon to board from stations without such checks.

According to Zaveri, he had raised the issue through an RTI application last year and received a reply in January 2026. The reply stated that the baggage scanner at Mumbai Central railway terminus remained out of service for 180 days, from July 17, 2025, to January 30, 2026. The scanner, which was purchased for Rs 27 lakh and covered under a 30-month maintenance contract worth Rs 21 lakh, should not have remained non-functional for nearly six months.

The authorities do not have consolidated data on the total number of metal detectors and baggage scanners installed across Mumbai's railway stations or how many are operational. Such equipment has been installed at major stations, including Churchgate, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Thane, Kurla, Bandra, and Kalyan, but several machines are reportedly not functioning.

Efforts are underway to repair and reactivate metal detectors at key entry and exit points. However, random checks, targeted inspections, and surprise checks inside train coaches remain the main security measures. The recent murders on local trains have highlighted the need for effective security measures at Mumbai railway stations. The authorities must take immediate action to address the issue of non-functional metal detectors and baggage scanners to ensure the safety of commuters.

The issue of non-functional metal detectors and baggage scanners at Mumbai railway stations has significant implications for the safety of commuters. With the lack of effective security measures, commuters are vulnerable to attacks and other security threats. The authorities must prioritize the repair and maintenance of metal detectors and baggage scanners to prevent such incidents in the future. Additionally, the authorities must also consider increasing the number of security personnel and implementing more effective security protocols to ensure the safety of commuters.

In conclusion, the issue of non-functional metal detectors and baggage scanners at Mumbai railway stations is a serious concern that needs to be addressed immediately. The authorities must take prompt action to repair and maintain the equipment, increase security personnel, and implement effective security protocols to ensure the safety of commuters. The safety of commuters is of utmost importance, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to provide a secure environment for them to travel.