+
First Mumbai Local Train With Dedicated Senior Citizen Coach Ready
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

First Mumbai Local Train With Dedicated Senior Citizen Coach Ready

The first suburban local train in Mumbai featuring a dedicated coach exclusively for senior citizens is now ready at the Matunga station. Designed by the Central Railway’s Matunga Workshop, this coach is similar to compartments reserved for luggage and physically challenged passengers. The workshop plans to modify the remaining 163 trains in the fleet by September 2026. The new train is expected to begin operations within this week.

This dedicated compartment aims to ease the commuting difficulties faced by senior citizens, particularly during rush hours, providing a comfortable and safe travel experience.

The initiative follows a September 2024 directive from the Bombay High Court, which instructed the railways to expedite the creation of reserved spaces for senior citizens. This came after a Public Interest Litigation filed by K P Purushothaman Nair, a lawyer and retired government employee, who sought a separate coach for senior citizens akin to those for physically challenged passengers on Mumbai’s suburban trains.

Currently, each train has seven seats reserved for senior citizens spread across two general compartments, but these remain difficult to access during peak hours. Many seniors are forced to board coaches reserved for physically challenged passengers to avoid overcrowding.

Railway officials informed the court that the Railway Board had approved modification plans to be implemented over two years, without affecting existing train services.

A Central Railway spokesperson confirmed, “Matunga Workshop has rolled out the first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rake featuring a dedicated compartment for elderly passengers in the Mumbai suburban network.”

Under Railway Board directives, a dedicated team at Matunga Workshop converted a middle luggage compartment in the sixth coach from the Mumbai end into a reserved space for senior citizens, marking a key step towards inclusive mobility.

Meanwhile, Western Railway plans to convert luggage compartments in 105 non-AC EMU rakes into senior citizen coaches, each providing 13 seats and space for 91 commuters.

The first suburban local train in Mumbai featuring a dedicated coach exclusively for senior citizens is now ready at the Matunga station. Designed by the Central Railway’s Matunga Workshop, this coach is similar to compartments reserved for luggage and physically challenged passengers. The workshop plans to modify the remaining 163 trains in the fleet by September 2026. The new train is expected to begin operations within this week.This dedicated compartment aims to ease the commuting difficulties faced by senior citizens, particularly during rush hours, providing a comfortable and safe travel experience.The initiative follows a September 2024 directive from the Bombay High Court, which instructed the railways to expedite the creation of reserved spaces for senior citizens. This came after a Public Interest Litigation filed by K P Purushothaman Nair, a lawyer and retired government employee, who sought a separate coach for senior citizens akin to those for physically challenged passengers on Mumbai’s suburban trains.Currently, each train has seven seats reserved for senior citizens spread across two general compartments, but these remain difficult to access during peak hours. Many seniors are forced to board coaches reserved for physically challenged passengers to avoid overcrowding.Railway officials informed the court that the Railway Board had approved modification plans to be implemented over two years, without affecting existing train services.A Central Railway spokesperson confirmed, “Matunga Workshop has rolled out the first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rake featuring a dedicated compartment for elderly passengers in the Mumbai suburban network.”Under Railway Board directives, a dedicated team at Matunga Workshop converted a middle luggage compartment in the sixth coach from the Mumbai end into a reserved space for senior citizens, marking a key step towards inclusive mobility.Meanwhile, Western Railway plans to convert luggage compartments in 105 non-AC EMU rakes into senior citizen coaches, each providing 13 seats and space for 91 commuters.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?