Mumbai Local Trains To Get All AC Coaches With Automatic Doors And No Fare Hike
Mumbai’s suburban railway network is set for a major upgrade, as all local train coaches are soon to be replaced with air conditioned units featuring automatic doors. A senior government official confirmed that the Central government has approved this significant demand, with a crucial assurance of no fare hike for passengers. This transformative decision directly addresses long standing safety concerns and aims to drastically improve travel conditions for millions of daily commuters.
The crucial decision was made in the backdrop of a tragic accident that occurred in Mumbra, where multiple commuters lost their lives after falling from overcrowded trains. Following this incident, a request was formally made to the Central leadership to provide Metro like coaches to the suburban trains, emphasizing the critical need for automatic doors to prevent similar future mishaps. It has been clarified that the doors will not be retrofitted onto existing coaches; instead, entirely new air conditioned coaches equipped with these essential automatic doors will be introduced into service.
The issue of traveling in overcrowded local trains has long been a significant challenge for residents across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, leading to a high number of accidents and fatalities. Data reveals a concerning trend, with thousands of commuters having tragically lost their lives and suffered injuries while traveling in local trains over the past three years alone. The accidents are predominantly attributed to the existing doorless coaches and the dangerous conditions arising from severe overcrowding. This has created a stark contrast between commuters who enjoy comfortable and safe travel in Metro trains versus those enduring unsafe conditions in the local railway system, a disparity the government aims to rectify.
The state government had also explored proposals such as implementing staggered office hours in private establishments to help reduce peak hour rush, indicating a multi faceted approach to address the issue of commuter safety and comfort. This comprehensive upgrade to the suburban rail network underscores a strong commitment to modernizing the city’s primary mode of public transport.
This pivotal initiative is set to significantly enhance commuter safety and travel comfort across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. By upgrading the suburban railway system to modern standards without imposing additional financial burdens, the government reaffirms its commitment to improving the daily lives of Mumbaikars, transforming the city’s lifeline for a safer and more efficient future.
