Mumbai’s first non-ac local train features automatic sliding doors, improved legroom, CCTV cameras, fire detection systems and emergency communication facilities; check details

Mumbai's first non-AC local train equipped with automatic doors has arrived in the city, marking a significant step towards improving commuter safety on the suburban railway network. The development comes nearly a year and a half after the Mumbra train accident renewed concerns over passengers travelling near open train doorways, reported TOI.

The June 9, 2025, accident between Diva and Mumbra stations claimed five lives, while nine other commuters fell from a moving train. A five-member committee constituted to investigate the incident identified overcrowding and open doors as key contributing factors and recommended introducing closed-door systems similar to those used in Metro trains.

The Bombay High Court has also suggested that railway authorities introduce closed-door trains while hearing cases related to railway accidents.

12-Coach Automatic-Door Local Train Arrives In Mumbai

The newly arrived non-AC local train has 12 coaches and will undergo trials on different sections of Mumbai's suburban railway network before Central Railway decides on its introduction into regular passenger services.

Built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the rake had earlier undergone trials on the 63-km Khajuraho-Mahoba section. It has been specially modified to ensure adequate ventilation even when all doors remain closed.

Louvred Doors, Roof Ventilators To Ensure Air Circulation

Unlike conventional non-AC local trains, the new rake features automatic doors fitted with louvred panels to allow natural airflow. Roof-mounted ventilators have also been provided to improve air circulation inside the coaches.

Another key feature is the vestibule connection between coaches, which will allow passengers to move from one compartment to another. This is expected to help distribute passenger crowds across the train instead of concentrating them near individual doorways.

Central Railway To Conduct Trials Before Passenger Operations

A senior railway official said the 12-coach rake would undergo trials on various sections of the Mumbai suburban network. The performance and trial reports will be assessed before the train is submitted for a fitness certificate.

Only after receiving the necessary clearance will the rake be considered for regular passenger operations.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced plans to introduce non-AC local trains with automatic doors in Mumbai following the Mumbra accident, with an initial target of operationalising them by 2026. However, with the year nearing its end, the project remains at the trial stage.

Automatic Doors May Affect Local Train Punctuality During Peak Hours

While automatic doors are expected to reduce the risk of commuters falling from moving trains, their introduction could bring operational challenges to Mumbai's busy suburban network.

Each station halt may require additional time for the doors to open and close completely, potentially affecting train punctuality. Passengers unfamiliar with the automatic-door system may also take longer to board and alight, particularly during peak hours.

Heavy crowds near the doorways could further delay passenger movement. In addition, door sensors may trigger reopening if passengers or their belongings obstruct the closing mechanism.

Western Railway's 2019 Automatic-Door Experiment Did Not Take Off

This is not the first attempt to introduce automatic doors on non-AC suburban trains in Mumbai. In 2019, Western Railway retrofitted selected compartments of a 15-coach local train with automatic doors.

The modified compartments included first-class, general, ladies' and differently abled sections. The work was carried out at the Mahalaxmi workshop at a cost of Rs 75 lakh.

However, the experiment did not progress to regular passenger operations, with ventilation emerging as one of the major concerns. The newly arrived rake incorporates louvred door panels and roof-mounted ventilators to address the airflow challenge.