The Railway Board has announced the introduction of new non-air-conditioned trains equipped with automatic door closure systems by January 2026. This crucial decision follows a recent tragic incident where four passengers lost their lives and six were injured after falling from an overcrowded local train. The move underscores a vital commitment to enhancing commuter safety and streamlining public transport infrastructure, addressing persistent challenges of overcrowding and fostering more equitable and secure urban mobility for millions of daily passengers.
The mandate for these critical safety reforms emerged from a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, attended by senior Railway Board members and experts from the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF). The primary outcome was the resolution to develop a novel design for non-AC coaches that prioritises passenger safety without compromising essential ventilation, a critical concern for Mumbai’s tropical climate. This innovative approach seeks to mitigate the risks associated with commuters travelling on footboards, a common sight on the city’s bustling network.
Mumbai’s local train network currently operates a fleet of 250 rakes, a mere 30 of which are air-conditioned. The vast majority of non-AC coaches currently lack any door closing mechanisms, a design flaw that contributes significantly to the problem of overcrowding and associated accidents. Previous attempts to retrofit automatic doors on existing non-AC rakes had raised concerns about ventilation and potential suffocation, with earlier trials revealing alarming increases in carbon dioxide levels by 2.5 times when doors remained shut. This past experience has directly influenced the design parameters of the new trains, highlighting a commitment to practical solutions over mere retrofitting.
To effectively counter these ventilation challenges, the new coach design will incorporate several innovative features. These include louvred doors, which will allow for continuous airflow while maintaining a physical barrier, and roof-mounted ventilation units to further enhance air circulation. Crucially, the new trains will also feature interconnecting vestibules, facilitating easier passenger movement between coaches and thereby helping to manage overcrowding more efficiently. This holistic design philosophy aims to balance safety with passenger comfort and logistical flow, essential for a high-density urban transport system.
A senior railway official stated that the first prototype of this new design will be ready for inspection by November 2025. Following rigorous testing and certification by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, this pioneering train is expected to enter service for public feedback by January 2026. This phased rollout allows for real-world evaluation and potential adjustments, ensuring that the final deployment effectively meets the needs and safety expectations of Mumbai’s commuters. The decision for new non-AC trains comes in parallel with the ongoing manufacture of 238 AC trains for the city, indicating a dual strategy to upgrade the entire fleet.
While the precise costs for the new non-AC prototypes are yet to be finalised, existing non-AC trains are reported to cost between ₹20–25 crore, with an operational life of 18 years. The investment in these new, safer coaches is paramount, given the severe human cost of current shortcomings. Experts such as M Jamshed, a former Railway Board Member, have consistently stressed the urgency of addressing the extreme “crush loads” of up to 15 persons per square metre during peak hours, a condition that makes effective door closure challenging. While the new designs offer a pathway, the debate around managing such immense passenger volumes effectively remains a critical point of focus for sustainable urban transport.
The introduction of auto-closing doors represents a significant step towards creating a safer, more humane commuting experience for millions of Mumbaikars. Beyond the immediate safety implications, this initiative aligns with the broader vision of creating zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and gender-neutral cities. Safer trains reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a more reliable transport system, encouraging public transport usage over private vehicles, thus lowering carbon emissions. Moreover, improved safety and reduced overcrowding foster a more inclusive environment, especially for women, children, and the elderly, ensuring equitable access to urban opportunities.
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