RailEnquiry

Mumbaikars’ longneglected dream of commuting in an air-conditioned (AC) train on the suburban network could become a reality within a year. The railway board recently placed an order for the first such 12-car rake with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). Each coach will be able to accommodate a “crush load” of approximately 375 commuters, including standees. In effect, approximately 4,500 commuters will be able to travel in one 12-car rake.
    Confirming the development, a senior WR official said, “The rake is likely to be delivered within six to eight months. ICF has already begun manufacturing the shell of the coaches and installation of an electric system for the 12-car rake.” If the trial run of the prototype rake is successful, the railways will immediately place an order for more such rakes, said the official, without specifying the numbers.
    The railway board has sought suggestions from the Central Railway and the Western Railway on composition of the rakes, which would have longitudinal seating and a vestibule design to allow for movement from one coach to another. The official said, “It will therefore be difficult to segregate exclusive coaches for women commuters. In case a separate coach for women is not feasible, the authorities must seek permission from the commissioner of railway safety (CRS) for departure from the norm.”
    A WR official, though, said the AC train will definitely have a compartment for women, unlike the Kolkata metro. “There is still time to design the internal features. Moreover, induction of the services will be carried out only after trials and approval by the CRS. We will take a decision in the best interest of commuters.”
    ICF had manufactured coaches for the Kolkata metro when the service started in 1984. The railway board has estimated a capital cost of Rs 9 crore for the manufacture of the AC units and an automatic door-closing system.
    On February 9, TOI had reported that a proposal had been forwarded to the railway minister for the manufacture of an AC rake that can be put on trial on the WR after its conversion of traction from DC to AC. The CR, though, as it is yet switch to AC. COOL COMFORT?
Rake design
Fully AC with a vestibule type of arrangement that allows for movement of commuters from one coach to another No first-class or luggage compartments Proposed seating arrangement: Longitudinal Microprocessor-controlled temperature and humidity inside coaches Low external and internal noise level Multilingual electronic LED sign boards both inside and outside the train Public address system LCD screens inside coaches
Max capacity per coach
375, including standees
Estimated cost of each coach
4cr
Safety
Advanced braking and security features