In a significant move aimed at boosting commuter safety and modernizing services, the Indian Railways has announced the development of two new non-air-conditioned local train rakes equipped with an Automatic Door Closure system for Mumbai's bustling suburban network. This initiative marks a pivotal step in extending advanced safety features beyond the existing fleet of AC trains.
Railway Minister's Parliament Announcement
The decision was formally disclosed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the ongoing Parliament session. In a written statement submitted on December 3, 2025, the Minister confirmed that the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been tasked with manufacturing these two new Non-AC EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) rakes.
The statement was issued in response to questions raised by Lok Sabha MPs Prof Varsha Eknath Gaikwad and Sanjay Dina Patil. Minister Vaishnaw elaborated that the new rakes will be equipped with several modern amenities designed for passenger comfort and safety.
Features of the New Non-AC Rakes
The upcoming trainsets are designed to offer a significantly upgraded travel experience for daily commuters. Key features outlined by the Railway Minister include:
- Automatic Doors: The primary safety upgrade, preventing accidental falls and enhancing security while trains are in motion.
- Vestibules: These will allow seamless movement between coaches, improving accessibility and passenger flow.
- Roof-Mounted Ventilation Units: To ensure adequate air circulation within the non-air-conditioned coaches.
- Doors with Louvers: These will further aid in natural air circulation, addressing ventilation concerns in crowded trains.
Current Status and Broader Expansion Plans
Presently, the Mumbai Suburban Network, which is managed by Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR), already operates 17 rakes of AC EMUs that feature the Automatic Door Closure System. The introduction of this technology in non-AC rakes democratizes a crucial safety feature for the vast majority of passengers.
Beyond this specific project, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a massive fleet expansion for Mumbai. A total of 238 new rakes, each comprising 12 coaches, have been approved under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) phases III and IIIA. The procurement process for these rakes, sanctioned at a cost of ₹19,293 crore, is already underway.
In a related infrastructure upgrade, the Railways has also sanctioned remodelling works to facilitate an increase in the number of coaches from 12 to 15 on suburban trains operating on the CSMT – Kalyan section of the Central Railway. This move is expected to drastically increase passenger carrying capacity on one of the network's busiest corridors.
These concerted efforts underscore Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing the safety, capacity, and overall commuting experience for the millions who rely on the over 3,000 local trains running daily across the Mumbai suburban network.
