Central Railway to Receive Two Prototype Non-AC EMU Rakes with Automatic Doors by March 2026
The Central Railway is poised to receive two new prototype non-air-conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rakes equipped with automatic doors and vestibules from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai by the end of March 2026. These innovative rakes are expected to be introduced on the suburban network starting April 2026, following a comprehensive series of trials and testing phases.
Development Triggered by Mumbra Train Accident
The development of these safety-enhanced rakes was initiated in direct response to the tragic Mumbra local train accident that occurred on June 9, 2025. This devastating incident resulted in the deaths of four passengers and left several others injured. The accident took place when commuters, many of whom were traveling on footboards or hanging onto open doors, fell as two trains passed each other near Mumbra station in Thane district.
This unfortunate event starkly highlighted the significant safety risks associated with overcrowded non-AC suburban trains that operate with open doors during peak hours. The incident prompted immediate action from railway authorities to address these critical safety concerns.
Safety Features and Design Priorities
In response to the accident, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed the Integral Coach Factory to design rakes that prioritize passenger safety above all else. The prototype rakes incorporate several advanced safety features:
- Automatic door-closing mechanisms to prevent passengers from leaning out of trains or attempting to board moving trains
- Ventilated door louvres and roof-mounted fans to maintain adequate airflow within the coaches
- Vestibules between coaches that allow passengers to move safely between compartments and help redistribute crowds during peak hours
These design elements represent a significant departure from traditional non-AC EMU rakes and aim to create a safer commuting environment for the millions who rely on suburban rail services daily.
Testing and Implementation Timeline
Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, confirmed that "The ICF will deliver the prototype by the end of March and after that Central Railway will conduct multiple trials on the prototype to come to a conclusion."
The rakes were ordered shortly after the Mumbra accident and are expected to undergo comprehensive testing before being deployed in revenue service. This thorough evaluation process is crucial to ensure that all safety systems function optimally under real-world operating conditions.
Significance for Suburban Rail Network
Once approved and deployed, these prototype rakes will mark a substantial safety upgrade for the Central Railway suburban network, which carries more than 70 lakh passengers daily. The introduction of automatic doors represents a fundamental shift in how non-AC suburban trains operate, potentially setting a new standard for passenger safety across India's extensive railway network.
The successful implementation of these safety features could pave the way for similar upgrades across other suburban rail networks in India, addressing long-standing concerns about passenger safety during peak commuting hours.
