Samir Zaveri, a relentless crusader for railway safety who turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope. After losing both legs in a train accident at just 16, Zaveri dedicated his life to improving the lives of railway accident victims. Through persistent efforts using RTI, social media, and PILs, he achieved monumental changes, including deploying 937 ambulances, GPS-enabled 108 helplines, and medical rooms at Mumbai’s suburban railway stations. Beyond safety, Zaveri has also focused on exposing corruption in the Railways, making him a symbol of resilience and advocacy. In this interview, we will know about his story of determination and impact.
Q. Could you share your story about the Railway accident and what inspired you to take up the cause of helping railway accident victims?
Samir Zaveri: In 1989, when I was just 16 years old, I lost both my legs below the knees in a tragic accident at Borivali Railway Station. Thankfully, the public rushed me to the nearest hospital, where doctors suggested artificial legs, enabling me to walk again.
While traveling, I noticed a separate coach for disabled passengers and met many individuals who had lost their limbs, often due to suburban railway accidents. I learned from speaking with them that many are victims of suburban railways. There were various reasons such as overcrowding and unsafe conditions.
Realizing the urgency to prevent such injuries, I approached railway officials, but they ignored my concerns. Determined to bring change, I filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court in 2008. Using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, I gathered statistics on injuries and fatalities and presented them in court, aiming to highlight the pressing need for improved railway safety measures.
Q. What role did the RTI Act play in your efforts to improve the railway system?
Samir Zaveri: The Right to Information (RTI) Act has played an important role in driving improvements in the railway system. In 2009, after hearing the railway’s side, Bombay High Court ordered measures to save lives and prevent accidents, including the provision of ambulances to provide immediate medical help for victim of railway account.
Previously, local trains on Western Railways had only nine coaches, but this has increased to 12-15 coaches, significantly reducing overcrowding. Railway authorities have since taken further initiatives, such as enhancing medical facilities. For instance, no free of cost round the clock ambulance services for Maharashtra, we now have 937 ambulances, and a 108-helpline system connected to GPS.
Beyond Borivali, there’s a lack of adequate medical facilities near railway stations. We demand tie-ups with nearby private or government hospitals for timely treatment. Between 2012 and 2023, railways provided medical care to 1,400 individuals and spent ₹4 crores on medical charges, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare access.
In court, we also demanded measures to prevent passengers from falling out of running trains, advocating for closed-door systems. As a result, the railways are phasing out older trains and replacing them with AC trains. Within the next two years, this initiative will ensure safer travel for passengers.
Q. Can you talk about the challenges you faced in getting 937 ambulances and medical rooms implemented through your PIL?
Samir Zaveri: Pursuing the implementation of 937 ambulances and medical rooms through my PIL was not without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles I encountered was the widespread corruption within government offices and the railway system. I faced counterattacks, false allegations, and constant resistance from officials who refused to acknowledge the issue.
Adding to the struggle, the railways hired high-profile advocates, using public money to fight against public welfare initiatives, which I found deeply unjust. Despite these hurdles, I remained steadfast in my mission, driven by the belief that improving safety and medical facilities was essential to saving lives. These challenges only strengthened my resolve to bring about meaningful change for railway passengers.
Q. What keeps you motivated to continue your fight for justice and railway reforms?
What keeps me motivated in my fight for justice and railway reforms is the inspiration I drew from reading Mahatma Gandhi’s biography. His teachings place a strong emphasis on confronting injustice by recording it and following legal procedures patiently, believing that success would finally be achieved. I have been strongly affected by his philosophy. Additionally, social media has played a crucial role in intensify my efforts and reaching a wider audience in this fight.
Samir Zaveri:
Q. Are there any specific reforms you’re currently working on or planning to work?
Samir Zaveri: Yes, there are still tragic deaths occurring on railways, which is a pressing concern. I strongly believe that instead of prioritizing high-speed bullet trains, the government should focus on improving public facilities and safety measures to ensure zero fatalities on railways as soon as possible. Investing in basic infrastructure and safety protocols can save countless lives and make train travel safer for everyone.
Q. How do you use social media to create awareness and bring about changes in the railway system?
Samir Zaveri: Social media is a powerful platform for raising awareness and driving change in the railway system. By creating and sharing videos, I highlight main issues and solutions, engaging the public and authorities alike. This approach fosters dialogue, spreads awareness, and encourages collective action for improvements in safety, services, and infrastructure.
Q. What message would you like to give to individuals who want to bring change but don’t know where to start?
Samir Zaveri: Over the course of my ten years of activism, I have witnessed that 75 lacs of people commute daily by local train, a lifeline where it’s always the common man who suffers and dies. However, no one is ready to raise voice for their right. So sometimes I thought who am I fighting. The message is simple:
if you face any form of injustice, take the first step by using social media to raise your voice. Record a video, share your story, and post it online to create awareness and spark action. Social media is a powerful tool to initiate change. Remember, it’s your fight, and you must take the initiative to stand up and fight for yourself. Change begins with action.
