Non-AC local with automatic doors reaches Mumbai for trials on Central Railway

The project for a non-AC local with automatic doors on Central Railway's suburban network has reached an important stage. The modified prototype rake, built at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, has arrived in Mumbai. The local will go through several technical and safety checks before it is put into passenger service. It is expected to bring a major change to the safety of travel on Mumbai's local trains.

The plan to run a non-AC local with automatic doors has been under discussion for some time. The modified rake built under the project has been given the necessary technical changes. Whether it will be put into passenger service will be decided only after further tests are completed.

Senior Central Railway officials said the first prototype rake, which is standing at the Kurla car shed, will also be sent to ICF Chennai for the necessary modifications.

Preliminary tests of the first prototype were held in August. These brought some technical flaws to light. The Research, Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) then raised certain issues. In view of these suggestions, the modified rake was sent back to ICF. The preliminary tests of this local were held on the Khajuraho-Mahoba route, which is 63.27 km long, under the Jhansi division on the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border. The necessary changes have been made on the basis of the test results.

The project gained importance after the rail accident between Diva and Mumbra in June 2025. After that incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiative for a local with automatic doors. Under the project, two non-AC prototype rakes have been developed at ICF. Automatic doors could prove important in reducing crowding near the doors during local train travel and the risks to passenger safety.

The modified rake will have to pass several safety tests before entering service. One key test is the "confirmatory oscillation car run". This test studies the vibrations produced in the coaches while running at different speeds, the movement of the coaches, the stability of the train and the comfort of passengers.

Tests will also be held on the interaction between wheels and track, friction and running stability. The safety and technical capability of the local will be determined on the basis of the results of all these tests.

Automatic doors on a non-AC local are expected to improve passenger safety. However, no firm date has emerged for when the modified rake will enter service. The next decision will be taken only after the tests and the necessary approvals are completed. The project is considered important for safety on Mumbai's crowded locals, and passengers are watching for the test results and the date service begins.