Prototype With Doors Unveiled for Non-AC Mumbai Local Trains
05 Aug 2025 CW Team
Fifty days after the tragic Mumbra incident on 9 June, the Central Railway (CR) has developed a prototype of a closed-door system for non-air-conditioned (non-AC) local trains. Created at the Kurla Carshed, the prototype will be presented to the Chairman of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, on 4 August. This marks the first time CR has fitted a closed-door mechanism to a non-AC local coach.
In 2019, Western Railway had trialled closed-door systems in non-AC trains, but the initiative was shelved due to overcrowding and ventilation concerns. Following the recent Mumbra accident—where passengers fell from two passing trains—Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the reintroduction of doors in non-AC locals.
A CR official stated, “This is just a prototype fitted in one coach. The door is operable by either the motorman or the train manager.” The development commenced soon after the minister’s announcement, and senior CR officials inspected the system on Friday.
Ventilation remains the primary challenge for non-AC coaches with sealed doors. To address this, CR has redesigned the door and its closing mechanism and plans to install fresh air ventilation units to prevent suffocation. The Railway Board has directed that all new non-AC trains be manufactured with enhanced ventilation features. Vestibules connecting coaches are also planned to enable freer passenger movement.
Beyond this initiative, 238 AC locals are in production for Mumbai’s suburban network. Non-AC coaches are also being redesigned, with some units under manufacture at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
Additionally, CR plans to install extra grab handles near the train doors, affixed to horizontal rods along the ceiling, at a cost of Rs 24 million.
To boost capacity, CR also intends to increase 15-car train services. From the current 22 daily services on the CSMT–Kalyan route, CR aims to add 40–50 more by December. Five new 12-car trains will be introduced shortly, with further coaches added in phases, targeting a 25 per cent rise in carrying capacity. Each train will make 10–12 round trips daily, with a focus on decongesting the Thane–Kalyan/Kasara/Karjat corridor.