In a significant development, the Central Railway (CR) is set to receive two new non-AC Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rakes equipped with automatic doors and vestibules by the end of March 2026.
The rakes are expected to be introduced on the suburban network from April 2026, following a series of trials. CR is planning to introduce the city’s first non AC local train fitted with automatic closed doors on the CSMT-Kalyan corridor as its pilot route.
“The ICF will deliver the prototype by the end of March and after that Central Railway will conduct multiple trials on the prototype to come to a conclusion,” said Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway.
The rakes were developed following the Mumbra local train accident on June 9, 2025, in which four passengers were killed and several others injured. The incident highlighted safety risks associated with overcrowded non-AC suburban trains operating with open doors during peak hours.
In response, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed ICF to design rakes prioritising passenger safety. The prototype features automatic door-closing mechanisms to prevent passengers from leaning out or boarding moving trains, ventilated door louvres and roof-mounted fans to maintain airflow, and vestibules between coaches to allow passengers to move safely and redistribute crowds during peak hours.
Also Read: Mumbai Local News: Train Fatality Falls 7% in 2025, Track Crossing and Overcrowding Main Reasons For Death
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