Safety Overhaul: Indian Railways to Equip Non-AC Trains with Auto-Closing Doors and Enhanced Ventilation After Mumbai Incident

The Indian Railways has committed to redesigning its non-AC trains in the wake of a tragic incident in Mumbai, which resulted in multiple fatalities. The upgrades will feature auto-closing doors to improve passenger safety and will also include better ventilation to combat the suffocation issue often associated with such designs. The decision comes after four commuters died and nine were injured in Thane, Maharashtra. The new trains, slated for service by January 2026 after necessary testing and certification, will have several modifications. These include doors with louvres and roof-mounted ventilation units. The Railway Board also highlighted the inclusion of vestibules within the coaches to facilitate better passenger flow and minimize crowding. The Railway Board is also manufacturing 238 new AC trains for Mumbai’s suburban services.