Mumbai: First non-AC automatic door-closing Mumbai local train arrives at Kurla car shed

The first nonairconditioned nonAC automatic doorclosing EMU local on Monday arrived at the Kurla car shed in Mumbai marking a key step in the cityrsquos suburban railway upgrade planThe new train is part of efforts to improve safety and commuter experience on the cityrsquos busy suburban networkThe newly introduced EMU rake features a doorclosing system aimed at reducing accidents caused by overcrowding and passengers travelling on open doorwaysThe system is designed to enhance safety during peakhour travel when Mumbairsquos suburban trains are heavily crowdedRead more Mumbai local gets automatic doors in first for nonAC suburban trainsDeveloped after the Mumbra incidentThe new rake developed after the Mumbra incident is aimed at improving passenger safety by preventing falls from open doorsThe 12car train is manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory ICF in ChennaiRailway officials had earlier stated that the move is part of a broader policy shift to introduce closeddoor systems across all future suburban trains both AC and nonACMidDay had earlier reported about the city soon to receive Indiarsquos first nonAC suburban local train with automatic door closure marking a significant shift in the design of the cityrsquos lifeline trainsA first for Mumbai and Indian RailwaysThis is the first time a nonAC local train with automatic doors has been developed for Mumbairsquos suburban network and for Indian RailwaysThe rake has been designed following consultations between the Railway BoardNew nonAC doorclosure train introduced in MumbaiThe new nonAC doorclosing suburban train arrived in Mumbai on Monday featuring several upgraded facilities A firsthand inspection by MidDay at the Kurla carshed revealed that the train retains its segregated compartments while offering larger windows forced ventilation increased leg space and significantly bigger luggage compartmentsKey concerns observedOne of the immediate concerns is that coach alignments may differ from existing trains due to the technical design of the new rake This could lead to lastminute confusion and passenger scrambling on platforms Additionally there are apprehensions that the door opening and closing mechanism may impact train halt times and potentially cause delaysTrain configuration and featuresThe train is divided into sixcoach units connected by vestibules It includes internal partitions to clearly separate ladies firstclass and general compartments Dedicated coaches for persons with disabilities have also been incorporatedThe rake numbered 268201ndash268212 is the first of its kind on Indian RailwaysDesign and structural differencesThe coaches are built on an AC EMU shell but are configured to maintain class segregation including first class with cushioned seating ladies compartments and accessible sections Despite being vestibuleconnected physical partitions ensure separation between categoriesEnhanced passenger comfortWider Windows The train features significantly larger windows measuring 1900 mm compared to 900 mm in existing trains These include sliding glass panels similar to busesImproved Ventilation Each coach is equipped with two highcapacity blowers each supplying 10000 cubic metres of air per hour ensuring better airflowMore Legroom Increased space between seats enhances passenger comfort along with a wider gangway for easier movementIncreased storage and safety featuresLarger Luggage Areas The luggage compartments at both ends of the train are twice the size of those in current suburban trainsClosed Doors with Ventilation The train features closed doors with glass panels on top and louvered slatted designs allowing air circulation while improving passenger safety