Chennai’s suburban rail network is poised for a significant upgrade in passenger comfort and carrying capacity with the introduction of its first Vande Bharat-inspired Air-Conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (AC EMU) train.
Allocated to the Southern Railway (SR) zone by the Ministry of Railways, this state-of-the-art 12-coach rake, manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, has already been delivered to the SR zone, marking a pivotal step towards modernising the city’s vital local train services. This development promises a more comfortable and potentially transformative commuting experience for Chennai’s residents, particularly during the sweltering summer months.
This inaugural AC EMU rake for the Southern Railway zone boasts a design philosophy that mirrors the advancements seen in the prestigious Vande Bharat Express trains. Speaking to railway officials, it has been confirmed that this 12-coach configuration is the first of its kind for the SR zone, signalling a commitment to bringing modern amenities and enhanced features to the daily commute of Chennai’s urban population. The train’s dispatch from ICF on February 20th underscores the swift progress in integrating advanced rolling stock into the existing railway infrastructure.
The 12-coach AC EMU rake features an intelligent composition designed for optimal passenger flow and capacity. The configuration includes Driver Motor Coaches (DMC), Trailer Coaches (TC), Motor Coaches (MC), and Non-Driver Motor Coaches (NDMC) in a specific arrangement (DMC + TC + MC + TC + NDMC + TC + MC + TC + TC + MC + TC + DMC). This design not only ensures efficient power distribution but also maximises the space available for passengers.
Notably, Chennai’s new AC EMU train offers a seating capacity of 1116 passengers across its various coach types (DMC-78, TC-96, MC-96, NDMC-96). However, its total carrying capacity extends significantly, accommodating up to 3798 passengers including standees. This higher carrying capacity, comparable to Metro coaches, addresses the persistent issue of overcrowding on Chennai’s local trains, promising a more equitable and less congested travel experience for a larger number of commuters.
In terms of operational efficiency, the Chennai AC EMU local train is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 110 kilometres per hour, ensuring swift connectivity across the suburban network. Furthermore, the train is equipped with a new generation bogie featuring fully suspended traction motors, wheel-mounted disc brakes for enhanced safety, and an Air Spring suspension system at the secondary stage, a feature directly inspired by the Vande Bharat Express, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.
A closer look at the top-tier features reveals a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, safety, and sustainability. The train boasts a stainless steel body with straight side walls and three-seater stainless steel seats in all coaches, offering durability and a modern aesthetic. Electrically operated double-leaf automatic sliding doors, with four doors on each side of a coach, will facilitate quicker and safer boarding and alighting, reducing dwell times at stations. Wide and large double-sealed glass windows provide passengers with a panoramic view of their surroundings, while sealed wider vestibule gangways ensure end-to-end connectivity and ease of movement between coaches.
The interiors are thoughtfully designed with aluminium extruded modular luggage racks for convenient storage and aluminium composite panels/FRP for interior panelling, featuring concealed screws and extrusions at joints for a clean and streamlined look. Wear-resistant rubber flooring enhances safety and durability. Modern amenities include GPS-based LED displays for real-time passenger information and an integrated announcement system, keeping commuters informed throughout their journey. A passenger talk-back facility at each doorway provides an essential safety feature for emergencies. LED destination boards and CCTV cameras in all compartments further enhance passenger safety and security.
Significantly, the new AC EMU train incorporates a regenerative Electro-Pneumatic (EP) braking system. This advanced braking technology is not only more efficient but also contributes to sustainability by saving up to 35% of electrical energy through regeneration, aligning with the broader goals of creating zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities. Moreover, unlike previous 3-Phase EMU rakes where traction equipment occupied valuable onboard space, ICF has innovatively designed this Air-Conditioned EMU with an underslung electric propulsion system, a design first implemented in Indian Railways in 2019, leading to better space utilisation and enhanced passenger comfort.
The introduction of this Vande Bharat-inspired AC EMU train in Chennai marks a significant step towards modernising the city’s suburban rail network, offering a blend of enhanced comfort, increased capacity, advanced safety features, and a commitment to sustainability. As Chennai continues to grow, investments in such modern and efficient public transport systems are crucial for fostering equitable and environmentally responsible urban development.
Also read: https://urbanacres.in/kerala-prepares-to-host-indias-first-vande-bharat-sleeper-train/
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