Safety Overhaul: Indian Railways to Equip Non-AC Trains with Automatic Doors and Better Ventilation

Indian Railways is undertaking a significant overhaul of its non-AC train fleet, prompted by a deadly accident on Mumbai’s local railway lines. The redesign includes the installation of automatically closing doors and improvements to the ventilation systems. The project is slated to be completed by November 2025 and put into service by January 2026. The Railway Board has outlined key features of the new design, including doors with louvres and roof-mounted ventilation units designed to circulate fresh air throughout the coaches. The upgraded trains will also feature vestibules to allow passengers to move between coaches, thereby alleviating congestion. The changes are a direct response to an incident near Mumbra railway station where several commuters died after falling from overcrowded trains.