Indian Railways Enhances Passenger Comfort with Air Curtains in Vande Bharat Express
Indian Railways has introduced advanced air curtains in the Vande Bharat Express, a high-speed train that promises luxury and speed. This initiative, implemented by Northern Railway on the New Delhi-Khajuraho route, is expected to be expanded to other premier services across the country, including the Jammu-Srinagar section. The addition of air curtains is a crucial step in Indian Railways’ mission to offer world-class travel experiences to passengers.
The primary objective behind installing air curtains in the Vande Bharat Express is to enhance passenger comfort while ensuring energy efficiency. Air curtains create an invisible barrier at the doors, preventing unwanted heat, dust, and pollutants from entering the air-conditioned cabin. This helps in maintaining a consistent, comfortable temperature inside the coaches, regardless of the extreme weather outside. In addition, this technology ensures that the conditioned air inside the train does not escape every time the doors open and close, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning systems. A leading manufacturer of air curtains, Mitzvah, conducted successful trials that demonstrated substantial benefits, including better temperature retention, energy savings, and improved air quality. The success of these trials has proven that air curtains can be a game-changer in the pursuit of more hygienic, energy-efficient, and comfortable rail travel.
The introduction of air curtains comes at a crucial time, as Indian Railways is also grappling with the challenge of running trains in extreme cold conditions, particularly in Kashmir. Traditional air-conditioned coaches may not be suitable for such harsh conditions, which has prompted the Railways to explore alternatives. The Jammu-Srinagar section, with its freezing temperatures, will be operationalised with heated coaches, and air curtains are being considered as a potential solution for further insulation. A senior Railway Ministry official confirmed that the idea of equipping conventional air-conditioned coaches with heated air curtains is currently being trialled. This solution would prevent the intense cold from seeping into the coaches, making the travel experience more comfortable for passengers travelling to and from the Valley during winter.
The benefits of air curtains extend beyond just improving comfort. These devices play a significant role in reducing the overall energy consumption of the trains. By minimising the loss of cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, air curtains help reduce the workload on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, leading to lower power requirements. This aligns with Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to sustainability and energy conservation. Additionally, air curtains also contribute to better operational efficiency. The constant opening and closing of train doors can cause fluctuations in air pressure and temperature, making it difficult to maintain a consistent cabin environment. Air curtains stabilise the airflow, improving the overall system efficiency and reducing maintenance costs for the HVAC systems.
The introduction of air curtains is just one of the many innovations that Indian Railways is adopting as part of its modernisation agenda. The Vande Bharat Express, already known for its speed, luxury, and advanced technology, is setting new benchmarks in the rail industry, and the addition of air curtains further enhances its appeal. The technology not only improves passenger comfort but also supports the national transporter’s goals of energy efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence. As Indian Railways continues its efforts to modernise and introduce cutting-edge technologies, the installation of air curtains in trains represents a significant milestone in creating a smarter, more comfortable, and energy-efficient rail travel experience for millions of passengers across the country. By continually improving the travel experience with innovations like air curtains, Indian Railways is ensuring that rail travel remains a preferred mode of transportation, combining convenience, comfort, and sustainability. As the project expands, passengers can look forward to a more enjoyable and efficient travel experience on some of India’s most important rail routes.