Mumbai 7/11 Bombings: Remembering 11 Minutes That Shook The City 19 Years Ago
Share this article:
On 11 July 2006, Mumbai’s evening rush hour was shattered by a series of seven coordinated explosions that struck crowded suburban trains. Known as the Mumbai 7/11 train bombings, these attacks devastated the city’s vital Western Line in just 11 terrifying minutes.
Mumbai 7/11; 2006 Train Bombing
The attackers used pressure cooker bombs packed with RDX and ammonium nitrate to maximise destruction. The bombs exploded in the first-class compartments of trains near key stations: Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali. The blasts caused widespread panic and left the city's busy transport lifeline in ruins.
In the immediate aftermath, scenes of chaos unfolded: mangled train coaches, debris scattered across tracks, and crowds rushing to help. Emergency services struggled to cope with the surge of injured passengers, while ordinary citizens showed remarkable courage—helping carry the wounded, donating blood, and supporting rescue efforts. This spirit of solidarity became a defining image of Mumbai’s resilience.
Mumbai 7/11; 2006 Train Bombing | X (@Shinykid111)
Tragically, the attacks claimed 209 lives and injured more than 700 others, leaving countless families grieving. The diversity of victims—from commuters to office workers—underscored the indiscriminate nature of terrorism. Investigations led by Mumbai’s Anti-Terrorism Squad faced early challenges due to the lack of responsibility claimed by any group. Yet, forensic clues and intelligence gradually revealed a broader conspiracy.
By late 2006, the ATS arrested 13 suspects, charging them with conspiracy, waging war against India, and homicide. Several were alleged members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), with reports suggesting they had received training in Pakistan under the guise of pilgrimage. Authorities linked the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to orchestrating the attacks and supplying explosives.
Mumbai 7/11; 2006 Train Bombing | PTI
Pakistan denied involvement, straining diplomatic ties between the two countries. Legal proceedings under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) faced criticism, including claims of torture and questions over how the bombs were assembled. In 2015, a special court convicted 12 of the accused: five received death sentences, and the rest were given life imprisonment. However, executions remain delayed due to prolonged appeals.
Beyond the devastating human toll, the attacks prompted heightened security across India’s railway network. Measures included improved surveillance, stricter baggage checks, and tighter entry rules at stations, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
Mumbai 7/11; 2006 Train Bombing | WSJ
Today, 11 July 2025, marks the 19th anniversary of the Mumbai 7/11 bombings . Commemorations at stations like Mahim serve as a solemn reminder of those lost and the families forever changed. Above all, the day honours Mumbai’s enduring spirit and reinforces the commitment to stand against terrorism.
The attackers used pressure cooker bombs packed with RDX and ammonium nitrate to maximise destruction. The bombs exploded in the first-class compartments of trains near key stations: Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, Bandra, Khar Road, Jogeshwari, Bhayandar, and Borivali. The blasts caused widespread panic and left the city's busy transport lifeline in ruins.
In the immediate aftermath, scenes of chaos unfolded: mangled train coaches, debris scattered across tracks, and crowds rushing to help. Emergency services struggled to cope with the surge of injured passengers, while ordinary citizens showed remarkable courage—helping carry the wounded, donating blood, and supporting rescue efforts. This spirit of solidarity became a defining image of Mumbai’s resilience.
Tragically, the attacks claimed 209 lives and injured more than 700 others, leaving countless families grieving. The diversity of victims—from commuters to office workers—underscored the indiscriminate nature of terrorism. Investigations led by Mumbai’s Anti-Terrorism Squad faced early challenges due to the lack of responsibility claimed by any group. Yet, forensic clues and intelligence gradually revealed a broader conspiracy.
By late 2006, the ATS arrested 13 suspects, charging them with conspiracy, waging war against India, and homicide. Several were alleged members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), with reports suggesting they had received training in Pakistan under the guise of pilgrimage. Authorities linked the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to orchestrating the attacks and supplying explosives.
Pakistan denied involvement, straining diplomatic ties between the two countries. Legal proceedings under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) faced criticism, including claims of torture and questions over how the bombs were assembled. In 2015, a special court convicted 12 of the accused: five received death sentences, and the rest were given life imprisonment. However, executions remain delayed due to prolonged appeals.
Beyond the devastating human toll, the attacks prompted heightened security across India’s railway network. Measures included improved surveillance, stricter baggage checks, and tighter entry rules at stations, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
Today, 11 July 2025, marks the 19th anniversary of the Mumbai 7/11 bombings . Commemorations at stations like Mahim serve as a solemn reminder of those lost and the families forever changed. Above all, the day honours Mumbai’s enduring spirit and reinforces the commitment to stand against terrorism.
Next Story