India, July 17 -- The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced the setting up of a task force to explore the feasibility of staggering the office timings of private establishments in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to reduce the rush in local trains during peak hours. The step has come in the wake of five commuters falling to their death from overcrowded trains between Mumbra and Diva stations on June 9.

State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the task force, which will comprise railway and state government officials and representatives from private establishments, in the state assembly. A discussion was initiated on the rampant accidents on local train routes, with legislators demanding steps to overcome t...