In a development that could change daily commuting in the country’s busiest rail network, Railways has introduced India’s first non-AC local train with automatic doors. This safety feature comes after years of dangerous overcrowding incidents. The 12-car rake, launched at the Kurla Carshed in Mumbai, has not started passenger service yet.
It will first undergo required certification trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO).
Mumbai Launches India’s First Non-AC Train
Officials mentioned that this process could take about three months before the train is approved for public use. The new closed-door non-AC trains follow the June 2025 Mumbra tragedy, where five commuters died after falling from overcrowded locals. Within hours of this incident, the Railway Board required automatic door systems for all new non-AC suburban rakes.
According to data from The Indian Express, from January 2014 to May 2025, 6,760 commuters died after falling from overcrowded trains, and 14,257 were injured. Most of these incidents were linked to open-door non-AC coaches. In contrast, AC local trains, which already feature automatic doors, have had no fall-related deaths.
What’s inside the new train
The newly unveiled rake, built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), aims to balance safety with affordability.
- Total coaches: 12
- Total capacity: 5,698 passengers
- Seats: 1,003
- Compartments: 19 (including luggage sections)
- Reserved coaches: Ladies, Divyang-friendly, First Class
The rake has eight second-class and four first-class coaches, with special areas for women and passengers with disabilities, as well as luggage compartments.
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