Prototype With Doors Unveiled for Non-AC Mumbai Local Trains

05 Aug 2025 CW Team

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.

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

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.

Real Estate

04 Sep 2025

Mumbai Records 11,230 Property Deals in August 2025

Mumbai’s property market remained resilient in August 2025, with 11,230 property registrations recorded under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) jurisdiction, according to data released by Knight Frank India. While this marks a 3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to 11,631 registrations in August 2024, activity stayed robust despite the marginal dip.On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, registrations fell 11 per cent from 12,579 deals in July 2025, indicating seasonal moderation. However, the city’s stamp duty collections still reached Rs 10 billion, reflecting a 6 per cent..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

68 Jammu-Katra Trains Cancelled Amid Rain Damage

Jammu and Katra railway services remain severely affected as Northern Railway announced the cancellation of 68 trains—both incoming and outgoing—until 30 September, due to extensive track damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. Meanwhile, 24 trains are scheduled to resume operations gradually.The Jammu railway division has experienced a complete halt in services for the past eight days, following track misalignment and breaches at several points along the Pathankot–Jammu section. Torrential rainfall since 26 August led to widespread flooding and damage, stranding hundreds of passe..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

Bangalore Metro MD Reviews Reach 6 and Phase 2A Progress

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director, Dr J Ravishankar, IAS, conducted inspections of key metro corridors on 29 and 30 August, reviewing the progress of Reach 6 (Pink Line) and Phase 2A (Blue Line).On 30 August, the inspection covered Reach 6, a 21.39-km corridor stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, with 18 stations. This stretch is part of Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro project. Dr Ravishankar assessed the status of civil works, finishing, track laying, and system integration between Kalena Agrahara and MG Road.Earlier, on 29 August, the MD inspected Phas..