Mumbai’s new locals promise safer rides, but peak-hour questions remain

The new nonAC train with automatic closing doors arrived in Mumbai on Monday introducing several new features that have sparked debate among commutersand stakeholders The train has been developed in the aftermath of the June 9 2025 Mumbra incident which reignited concerns over open doors in Mumbairsquos suburban networkHanging out of trains continues to pose a major safety risk mdash in 2025 alone 525 commuters died after falling from trains while 1188 were injured due to overcrowding midday conducted a firsthand review of the train upon its arrival and presents a simplified guide to its features and concernsWhat about luggage compartmentsThe train includes larger luggage compartments at both ends of the coachesgtgt Wider than existing onesgtgt Segregated with doorsgtgt Includes a timespecific ladiesrsquo luggage compartmentWill overcrowding lead to suffocationRailways say the train is built on a platform similar to AC EMUs which operate with sealed doorsAdditionallygtgt Windows remain open for airflowgtgt Doors have louvred sections twothirds covered to allow air movementWill fares changeNo the fare structure will remain the same as that of existing suburban trainsWhat is the nonAC doorclosing train Where will it operateThe train is a new class of suburban local designed with automatic door closure to improve passenger safety It has been manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and has arrived at Central Railwayrsquos Kurla carshed It is expected to operate primarily on the Central Railway main lineWhy not introduce only AC trains insteadOfficials said this is an interim safety measure A tender for 238 customised AC local trains is already in process to gradually replace the existing fleet This nonAC version is meant as an immediate solutionWhat safety features are includedgtgt Sliding doors with tubular partitionsgtgt Emergency evacuation provisionsgtgt Talkback system and alarm mechanismgtgt External dooropening option in emergenciesgtgt CCTV cameras in all coachesgtgt Smoke and heat detection systemsgtgt External reset mechanism for quick restorationWhy introduce closed doors in a nonAC trainThe design follows the Mumbra incident where multiple commuters fell from a running train Railways developed this as a practical safety solution after discussions with the Railway Board to reduce accidents linked to open doorsWhat is the coach configurationThe train has a different layout compared to existing localsgtgt Vestibule connectivity half gangwaysgtgt Interconnected coaches in a 633 formationgtgt Improved passenger movement and airflow across the rakeWill ventilation be an issueRailways say ventilation has been improved throughgtgt Roofmounted ventilation units RMVU supplying 10000 msup3hour of fresh airgtgt Two such units per coachgtgt Wider windows for better airflow and natural lightWhat about performance during the monsoon or peak summerOfficials said the system is more advanced than older trains The design is based on AC local train shells which have performed well across seasons Similar ventilation units will ensure airflow even in crowded conditionsHow will platforms handle different coach positionsThe train is yet to undergo trials A detailed operational plan will be prepared later includinggtgt Staff deploymentgtgt Platform managementgtgt Integration into station announcements and schedulesWhen will the train enter serviceThe train will undergo multiple trials before launch Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run COCR to assess speed stability and ride qualityPassenger convenience and safety trials includinggtgt Braking performancegtgt Door systems and alarmsgtgt Passenger comfortgtgt Integration with signalling systemsThe train will be introduced only after successful completion of trials and necessary correctionsWill door closure affect peakhour boardingThis is expected to be a challenge initially The train will not move unless all doors are shut Railway staff may be deployed to manage boarding similar to AC trains during rush hoursAre wider windows enough for ventilationYes according to officialsgtgt Window width increased to 1900 mm from 900 mm earliergtgt Sliding glass panels similar to busesgtgt Stronger blowers designed for peakhour loadWhat if ventilation systems failRailways said maintenance protocols will apply If blowers fail the train may be withdrawn from service similar to AC trainsTrain configuration8 secondclass compartments4 firstclass compartments2 ladies firstclass compartments5 ladies secondclass compartments2 compartments for divyang passengers2 luggage compartments including one timespecific ladies section