Mumbai: Central Railway’s Kurla Carshed has developed a prototype of an automatic door closer system for non-air-conditioned (non-AC) local trains. The prototype, which has been installed in a coach of a non-AC train, is likely to be showcased to the Chairman of the Railway Board (CRB), Satish Kumar, during his upcoming visit to Mumbai on August 4.
However, an official said that the prototype of the automatic door closer system is almost ready, but it is yet to be confirmed whether the CRB will inspect it on Monday.
Move Follows Mumbra Incident, Minister Orders Safety Overhaul
The initiative comes in the wake of the recent Mumbra rail incident, where passengers fell from two separate trains traveling in opposite directions. Following the incident, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans to develop a closed-door mechanism in non-AC local trains to improve commuter safety.
Balancing Airflow and Safety Key to Feasibility of New System
Currently, non-AC local trains operate with open doors to allow natural ventilation. While automatic door systems are considered a major safety upgrade, their implementation has been controversial due to concerns about reduced airflow and potential suffocation.
Past Trials by Western Railway Had Failed, But CR Hopes to Succeed
This is not the first time Indian Railways has attempted to introduce automatic doors in non-AC local trains. Western Railway had previously conducted two trials of similar systems, both of which failed to meet safety and operational standards, leading to the project's eventual scrapping.
With the new prototype, Central Railway hopes to finally overcome these technical hurdles. "If successful, the initiative could pave the way for widespread deployment of automatic door systems in Mumbai’s suburban rail network, balancing commuter safety with ventilation needs in India’s densely populated local trains" said an official.
