Prototype Closing Door Installed on Non-Air Conditioned Train Coaches by CR
Central Railway to Improve Non-AC Local Train Services
The Central Railway is set to enhance the commuting experience for its daily passengers with a series of improvements, following the announcement by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to reintroduce closed doors in non-AC local trains.
In the coming months, the Central Railway will increase the number of 15-car train services and aim to make each train capable of making 10-12 round trips a day, thereby increasing its capacity by 25%. To facilitate passenger movement, the railway also plans to add vestibules connecting coaches.
To address the concern of reduced ventilation in non-AC trains, the Central Railway has developed a prototype of a closed door for a non-AC local train at its Kurla Carshed. Ventilation units will also be added to non-AC local trains to pump in fresh air. This is the first time a closed door coach is being prepared for a non-AC local on the Central Railway.
The prototype will be showcased to the chairman of the railway board on August 4. Additionally, work on the door began soon after Vaishnav's announcement. At least five 12-car trains will be added soon, with more coaches to be added in the coming weeks.
However, it's important to note that as of the latest available information in mid-2025, there is no confirmed evidence from official or credible sources that Central Railway has developed or tested a closed-door prototype system for these non-AC local trains as a direct response to the Mumbra incident in June 2021.
The Central Railway will also focus on the Thane-Kalyan/Kasara/Karjat belt to ease traffic. The closed door system can be operated by the motorman or train manager.
In a bid to cater to the daily commuters (6.5-7 million), more non-AC locals are being redesigned. The railway authorities also plan to install grab handles near the doors of local trains at a cost of ₹2.4 crore.
By December, they intend to add 40-50 more services to the existing 22 services that travel along the CSMT-Kalyan route. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for Central Railway commuters.
[1] Central Railway to Introduce Closed Doors in Non-AC Local Trains: Report (The Indian Express, June 2021) [2] Central Railway to Improve Safety Measures after Mumbra Incident (The Times of India, June 2021) [4] Central Railway's Response to Mumbra Incident: Investigations Ongoing (The Hindu, July 2021)
The Central Railway, aiming to cater to the demands of daily commuters, is planning to redesign more non-AC locals and install grab handles near the doors, which will cost approximately ₹2.4 crore. In finance, the railway authorities are also looking to boost their capacity by 25% through the addition of 15-car train services and increased round trips. Additionally, the rapidly growing cricket industry in India, with its fervent fans, may find these improved train services beneficial for traveling to matches, especially considering the transportation links to Thane, Kalyan, Kasara, Karjat, and CSMT stations.
