During a trial run, most women who travelled in compartments that had the automatic closed-door system installed believed that while the idea is good, it may not be practical, especially during peak hours
Most commuters, who travel almost every day by suburban trains, can’t help but find the closed doors in the ladies compartment a bit unusual. On Sunday, rail officials carried out a test run from Churchgate to Borivli and back twice.
Station masters stood outside the compartment yesterday to make sure that the system was running smoothly. Pic/Datta Kumbhar
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The train had two compartments with the automatic closed-door system installed. While the system is working smoothly at present, commuters can’t help but feel that the concept may not be feasible in the long run. However, many commuters have hailed the concept, saying that closed doors will reduce the risk of accidents.
Nirmala Kolge a car shed worker accompanied the female passengers in the train that left Churchgate station at 12.12 pm. “I had to monitor if the doors were functioning properly. In case it failed to open, or if there was any other problem, I was equipped to open the door manually. But thankfully there was no need for that,” said Kolge.
The slow train halted at every station and the station masters stood outside the compartment to make sure that the system was running smoothly.
Official speak
Sharat Chandrayan, Chief PRO of WR. said, “At present we are undertaking test runs and gauging the opinion of commuters.” When this reporter raised the issue of sensors in the automated system that prevent the doors from closing in case of any obstruction, Chandrayan said, “The sensors have been designed in such a manner that until the doors do not shut completely, the train will not move.”
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