India • Jun 24, 2025

Mumbai's unclaimed railway victims: A grim reality

Over the past 15 years, more than 14,500 bodies from railway accidents in Mumbai have gone unclaimed—about a third of all railway deaths in the region.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) has tried to identify these victims, but it's been an uphill battle.

TL;DR

How authorities tried to identify victims

Most victims lost their lives while crossing tracks, and often don't have any ID or recognizable features left.
The GRP has used things like photos, personal items, and even tattoos or clothing tags to help families find their loved ones.
They also tried digital tools and banners at stations for identification, but those efforts were dropped after public pushback.
Despite everything, many families still never get answers.