Closed Door Prototype for Non-AC Locals Unveiled
Just 50 days after the tragic Mumbra incident on June 9, Central Railway (CR) has readied a closed-door prototype for non-air-conditioned Mumbai local trains. The prototype has been developed at the Kurla Carshed and is scheduled for presentation to Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar on August 4.
This is a historic step for CR as it is the first closed-door non-AC coach on the Central line. Western Railway had tested a similar system in 2019, but the project was rolled back due to ventilation and overcrowding issues.
Post-Incident Safety Measures and Innovations
The prototype was developed following a commitment made by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, after the Mumbra accident where passengers fell from overcrowded, open-door trains.
To counter earlier concerns of poor airflow, the redesigned coach includes ventilation units to pump fresh air and vestibules between coaches for better passenger movement. Grab handles will also be added near doors to enhance grip and safety. These handles, fixed to horizontal rods on the ceiling, will cost ₹2.4 crore.
Enhanced Capacity and Upcoming Fleet
CR is not stopping at safety upgrades. With over 6.5–7 million commuters relying on Mumbai locals daily, plans are underway to scale up capacity significantly:
- 238 AC local trains are being manufactured.
- Additional non-AC locals are being redesigned at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
- More 15-car services will be added, with 40–50 services planned by December.
- Five 12-car trains will be inducted shortly to ease congestion on high-density routes, especially CSMT-Kalyan, Kasara, and Karjat.
Looking Ahead: Safer, Smarter Commutes
Once approved, the closed-door system could revolutionize safety on Mumbai’s suburban network. With a blend of technology, innovation, and public demand, Central Railway is moving steadily toward modernizing one of India’s busiest rail lifelines—making travel safer without compromising comfort and ventilation.
