Central Railway launches A-C local trains in Mumbai

The long-awaited dream of 'Cool Travel' in 'Air Conditioned local trains' has finally became a reality for Mumbai's harassed commuters on Monday with the Western Railway introducing the first ever broad gauge air-conditioned 12-car electrical multiple unit (AC EMU) suburban train.

The train, fitted with indigenous 3-phase propulsion system by BHEL comes as a New Year bonanza for Mumbaikars and the nation.

The first air conditioned local train departed on its historic miden run from Mumbai's Borivali station at 10.30 hrs and reached Churchgate station around 11.30 hrs. After the introductory run the AC local train will be operated on the experimental basis between Churchgate and Borivali stations for a week, ie, from 25 December to 31 December  2017.

Effective 1 January 2018, this AC local train will be operated on regular basis as per the scheduled time table between Churchgate and Virar stations. Accordingly, with effect from 1 January 2018, a total 12 services (6 services in 'up' and 6 services in 'down' direction) of  AC suburban train will be operated on weekdays only, ie, from Monday to Friday.

The AC rake of the local train will not be operated on Saturdays and Sundays for maintenance purpose.

As per the regular scheduled time table effective 1 January 2018 , the services of AC local train will replace existing 12 non-AC services, so the total average number of suburban services on WR's suburban section will remain 1,355, even after introduction of AC local train. Out of these 12 services of AC local train, 8 will run as fast local trains between Churchgate and Virar, stopping only at major stations, ie, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Borivali, Bhayander and Vasai Road in both directions. Similarly 3 fast services will run between Churchgate and Borivali stopping at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra and Andheri stations in both directions. The remaining one service will run as slow service from Mahalaxmi to Borivali, which will stop at all intermediate stations.

The first and 12th coaches in this AC local train are reserved for ladies and seven seats in the second and 11th coaches are earmarked for senior citizens / and those with disbilities while 10 seats in fourth and seventh coach from Churchgate end are earmarked for the disabled.

RPF constables will be deployed in each coach of this train to ensure proper security. Similarly, technicians will also be deputed in the train for trouble shooting purpose. Suitable announcements will also be ensured for opening of the door as per the platform position of upcoming station.

Fare structure of AC EMU service: Base fare of the single journey of AC EMU will be 1.3 times of the base fare of existing fare of single journey ticket for first class. However, as an introductory offer for a period of initial six months, the base fare of single journey of AC EMU will be charged 1.2 times of the base fare of existing fare of single journey ticket of first class. The difference between 1.3 times and 1.2 times will be shown in the ticket as discount during the introductory period.

Season tickets: Weekly, fortnightly and monthly season tickets will be charged equivalent  to 5, 7.5 and 10 single journies, respectively, of AC EMU trains. No other type of season tickets will be issued for the time being.

AC EMU ticket holder will also be allowed to travel by first class compartments of local trains.

The details of fare charges of AC local train are as under :

                    ( Base fare 1.2 times for first 6 months )

Salient Features of Air Conditioned EMU:

* Manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai of Indian Railways.

* First Air conditioned EMU equipped with IGBT based 3 phase propulsion system.

* Fully air conditioned rake with a capacity of 30 Ton per coach.

* Automatic door closure system.

* LED based lighting for better illumination and energy conservation.

*Equipped with Emergency Talk-back system. Passengers can seek assistance from guard of the train in distress condition.

* Passenger carrying capacity – Seats 1028 Nos. and Total 5964 passengers.

* LED based coach identification system for Alarm chain pulling & Door malfunctioning.

* GPS based passenger information system with Audio-visual indication of stations.

* PA system for Guard-Driver/ Passenger communication.

* Stainless steel coaches with straight side walls.

* Air suspension system for better Passenger comfort.

* Maximum speed – 100 Km/hour.

* Air Conditioned Driving Cab.

* Aerodynamic nose cone driving cab.

* Equipped with Air tight vestibules connecting 6 coaches.

* Wide and large double sealed glass window for panoramic view.

* Comfortable modular polycarbonate seats for passengers.

* Aluminum extruded modular luggage racks with polycarbonate transparent glass of bottom.

Automatic Door System: The door system is formed by two door leaves and drive unit mechanism located in the upper portal area. The door leaves slide on upper and lower rail guide, the movement of which is controlled by electrical signal received through TCMS from guard / drivers cab. The door leaves slide inside pockets provided at the door opening.

Passenger safety features provided in the automatic door closing system include:

• Train will not start or take traction if any of the doors of the train is open.
• Automatic door will not open till the train comes to a complete halt.
• Door can open both from inside and from outside of the coach with the help of emergency exit device. This device can also be used if the door fails to open automatically when required.  However, this emergency exit device will not operate when the train is in motion.
• The location of emergency door opening device (operating rotary handle near door) and the method of its operation is displayed inside the coach for guidance to the passenger.
• To avoid injury to passengers during closing operation of the door, doors will re-open thrice if any obstruction detection takes place. After first detection of obstruction there will be audio alarm to caution the passengers about door closing.

The rake comprises of three types of coaches and can accommodate passengers:

The total capacity of the rake is 5,964 passengers with 1,028 seating capacity and 4936 standing.

The head-light and speed indicator cum recorder have been fitted on the Driving Cab. Auxiliary Warning System, Dead man's handle, Wheel slip protection are available. In addition, following items are provided:

Event recorder: Event Recorder is provided in each driving motor coach's Train Control and Management System (TCMS). Faults and events generated in various systems in each Basic unit were stored in respective event recorder (TCMS) of Motor coach.

Passenger alarm indication light in all coaches: Each coach is provided with an indication light on both sides of the coach. These lights are integrated with alarm chain pulling system.

Emergency evacuation of passenger Guidance: To evacuate the passengers in case of emergencies, emergency ladders are provided with signage inside the coach.

Fire Fighting System: ach Air Condition coach is equipped with 2 sets of fire extinguishers with instruction to operate and proper arrow marking sticker.

GPS based passenger information system is provided in the rake.

(a) Passenger Announcement- There is facility of Passenger announcement from motorman & guard cab to Passenger area.

(b)  Inter Communication- There is duplex Inter Communication available between Driver and Guard.

(c)  Coach Display in each coach- There are two single sided display and two double sided display in each coach. Also there are nine speakers provided in each coach for audio announcement by which motorman can communicate with passenger coach.

(d)  LED based Head code display in English and Hindi with handicap and ladies coach position is provided in front of the both driving motor coaches.

(e)   ETB: Emergency Talk Back unit is provided in the passenger areas (four in each coach) to communicate with motorman/guard during any emergency.

Down Direction

UP Direction

The AC train services will not run on Saturdays & Sundays for maintenance purpose.