Mumbai train tragedy: Railways to redesign coaches; what are the new features?
NEW DELHI: In the wake of Maharashtra train mishap, Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and railway board officials proposed major changes in the design and manufacturing of new non-AC trains on Monday, to avoid any dangerous incident. Earlier on Monday morning, four people were killed and nine others were injured after falling off two overcrowded local trains in Thane district during rush hour. The incident took place near Mumbra railway station when the trains were passing each other on a steep turn.Following the incident, Railway minister and railway board officials had a detailed meeting with the ICF (Integral Coach Factory) team and decided on major changes in the design and manufacturing of new non-AC trains to resolve the key issue of ventilation. According to railway ministry, three major changes have been decided, they are:
- First, the doors will have louvres.
- Second, coaches will have roof-mounted ventilation units to pump in fresh air.
- Third, the coaches will have vestibules so that passengers can move from one coach to another and balance out the crowd in a natural way.
Railways further said that the first train of this new design will be ready by November 2025. “After necessary tests and certification, it will be put into service by January 2026,” it added.
