Mumbai to Get 12-Car Local Train With Automatic Doors, Trials Underway

The Central Railway is set to introduce its first 12-car non-AC suburban train equipped with automatic doors, marking a significant upgrade to the Mumbai local train network. The new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, is currently stationed at the Kurla Car Shed and is expected to be rolled out for passenger service soon.

The upcoming train features an automatic door closure system, a major safety enhancement aimed at reducing accidents caused by overcrowding and passengers hanging at doorways. This development comes as part of broader efforts to modernise Mumbai’s suburban rail system, which serves millions of commuters daily and remains one of the busiest rail networks in the world.

Before being introduced for public use, the train will undergo a series of mandatory trials, including the Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) test conducted by the Research Design and Standards Organisation. These tests are designed to assess critical performance parameters such as speed, acceleration, ride quality, and overall stability, ensuring that the train meets safety and operational standards.

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Railway officials said such trials are essential to evaluate both the train’s performance and the condition of the tracks it will run on. The process helps validate whether the new rake can operate efficiently under real-world conditions, particularly in a high-density network like Mumbai’s suburban railway system.

The introduction of automatic doors in non-AC local trains is seen as a significant step, as similar features have traditionally been limited to air-conditioned services. By extending this technology to non-AC trains, authorities aim to improve safety for a broader segment of daily commuters who rely on these services.

Once operational, the new 12-car train is expected to enhance passenger safety and the travel experience while also setting the stage for future upgrades in the suburban rail network. Officials indicated that further modernisation initiatives may follow, depending on the performance and public response to this new rollout.

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