Eastern Railway is set to introduce air-conditioned (AC) suburban train services in its Sealdah division, marking a significant upgrade to Kolkata’s local transport network. The first AC Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, has arrived for testing and trial runs. A second rake is expected to follow shortly. These modern trains are designed to provide commuters with a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.
The 12-coach AC EMU trains are equipped with several advanced features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety. Each coach is fully air-conditioned, featuring sliding doors, CCTV surveillance, GPS-enabled display and announcement systems, and a talk-back facility for communication with the train crew. The trains are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 110 km/h and are constructed with sealed vestibule gangways, allowing for smooth movement between coaches. These amenities are expected to significantly improve the travel experience for daily commuters. To ensure accessibility for a broad range of passengers, the fare structure for the AC EMU services has been rationalised.
The base fare for a single journey is set at Rs 29 for distances up to 10 km, with incremental increases for longer distances. For instance, journeys between 11 km and 15 km will have a base fare of Rs 37. Monthly season tickets are priced at Rs 590 and Rs 780, respectively, depending on the distance. This pricing strategy aims to make the new services affordable for regular commuters. The initial AC EMU rake is slated to operate on the Sealdah-Ranaghat route, one of the busiest suburban corridors in the Sealdah division. This route connects several key stations, including Kalyani, Naihati, and Dum Dum, serving a large number of passengers daily. The introduction of AC services on this route is expected to alleviate overcrowding and provide a more comfortable travel option for commuters. Before commencing regular services, the trains will undergo thorough trials to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
While the current focus is on the Sealdah-Ranaghat route, there are plans to expand the AC EMU services to other high-density corridors within the Sealdah division. The success of the initial services will likely inform decisions regarding the extension of AC services to additional routes, further enhancing the comfort and convenience of suburban train travel in Kolkata. The introduction of AC suburban trains is anticipated to have a positive impact on daily commuters, particularly during the hot and humid months. The modern amenities and improved comfort levels are expected to make train travel a more attractive option for many. Additionally, the enhanced safety features, such as CCTV surveillance and the talk-back system, aim to provide greater security for passengers, especially women.
Eastern Railway’s initiative to launch AC suburban services in the Sealdah division represents a significant step towards modernising Kolkata’s local transport infrastructure. By combining affordability with advanced features, the new services are poised to enhance the daily commuting experience for thousands of passengers. As the trials progress and the services become operational, commuters can look forward to a more comfortable and efficient mode of travel.
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