Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 14: The first non-AC local train equipped with an Automatic Door Closure System has arrived at the Kurla car shed, marking a significant step towards improving commuter safety on the Mumbai Suburban Railway.
Officials said the rake, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, will undergo certification trials and is expected to be opened for public use in about three months.
The move follows a tragic incident near Mumbra in June 2025, where five commuters lost their lives after falling from overcrowded trains. In response, the Railway Board directed the introduction of non-AC trains with automatic door-closing systems.
The 12-coach train has a total capacity of 5,698 passengers, including 1,003 seats. It includes eight second-class and four first-class coaches, with several compartments reserved for women.
Designed to enhance safety, the train features automatic sliding doors with an interlocking system that prevents movement unless doors are shut. It also includes anti-drag mechanisms, emergency communication systems, passenger information displays, and sealed gangways for smooth movement between coaches.
The Mumbai suburban network, among the busiest in the world, operates over 3,200 services daily and carries around 66 lakh passengers. Open-door non-AC trains have long been linked to fatal accidents caused by overcrowding, with thousands of deaths reported over the years.
In contrast, AC local trains — already fitted with automatic doors — have reported no such fall-related fatalities. However, their higher fares limit accessibility for many commuters.
To tackle ventilation concerns in closed-door non-AC coaches, the new design incorporates louvred doors, larger windows and roof-mounted ventilation systems to ensure airflow. Vestibules between coaches also help distribute passenger load evenly.
Officials clarified that this is not the final prototype, and further trials will assess passenger comfort under peak conditions.
Meanwhile, under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project, the Railways has approved procurement of 238 AC train sets, expected to gradually replace the existing fleet by 2028.
Authorities say the new non-AC closed-door trains aim to strike a balance between affordability and safety, reducing accidents while maintaining accessibility for daily commuters.