Mumbai’s suburban rail network ranks among the busiest in the world. It spans 376 route kilometers under Central and Western Railways, handling thousands of services daily. However, it has garnered a concerning reputation due to frequent accidents from commuters clinging to open doors during peak times. Between January 2014 and May 2025, approximately 6,760 fatalities and 14,257 injuries were reported in such incidents.
In June 2025, the tragic Mumbra incident claimed the lives of five commuters who fell from overcrowded local trains. In response, the Railway Board mandated the implementation of automatic door systems for all new non-AC suburban rakes.
What’s included in the new train?
The train consists of 12 coaches, accommodating a total of 5,698 passengers, with 1,003 seated and 4,695 standing. It features eight second-class and four first-class coaches, along with dedicated sections for women and passengers with disabilities, in addition to 19 luggage compartments.
Central to the design is an automatic door system aimed at eradicating unsafe boarding behaviors. The doors are programmed to open within about 3 seconds and close in 4 seconds, with a scheduled 30-second dwell time at stations.
Interlocking systems ensure that the train cannot depart while any doors remain open, and features such as obstruction detection and anti-drag technology work to prevent accidents during boarding and alighting.
“The non-AC EMU marks a significant advancement over traditional open-door EMUs. It will mitigate unsafe boarding and disembarking from moving trains, reduce accidents caused by open doors, and promote regulated boarding among passengers,” an ICF official stated, as reported by Indian Express.
The ventilation challenge
A principal challenge in creating a closed-door non-AC train has been ensuring adequate ventilation. Previous trials indicated a significant increase in carbon dioxide levels inside sealed coaches. To address this, the new rake is equipped with two high-capacity blowers delivering 10,000 cubic meters of air per hour, roof-mounted ventilation units to circulate fresh air, larger windows, and louvred doors that permit air flow while maintaining privacy.
The coaches also feature two-thirds openable windows to facilitate airflow while ensuring passenger security.
Enhanced safety and comfort features
Alongside safety upgrades, the train boasts modern amenities, including fire detection systems, emergency communication units near doors, updated alarm systems, passenger information displays, and improved seating configurations. Vestibule connections allow movement between coaches, while internal sliding doors serve as alternative exit routes in emergencies.
Is this the final prototype?
Prior to commencing passenger service, the train will undergo essential trials and certification by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, a process anticipated to last around three months. Officials noted that the rollout follows a directive from the Railway Board after the Mumbra tragedy in June 2025, which resulted in several commuter fatalities from overcrowded trains.
The prototype will also undergo several trial rounds to ensure that passenger comfort is maintained under varying crowd conditions. The long-term vision for Mumbai’s suburban network includes transitioning to fully air-conditioned services under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-III and IIIA.
The Railways has approved 238 AC rakes of 12 coaches at a budget of ₹ 19,293 crore, with hundreds more AC rakes scheduled for induction by 2028.
In tandem with rolling stock upgrades, Indian Railways is also investing in infrastructure enhancements, including platform extensions, additional tracks, and station redevelopment to improve overall capacity and the commuter experience throughout the network.
Currently, Western Railway operates 1,414 services, including 133 AC services, while Central Railway provides 1,820 services, with 94 being AC services, serving passengers across Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Virar, and Panvel.
