India’s first-ever broad gauge air-conditioned AC EMU suburban train flagged off in Mumbai

India’s first-ever broad gauge air-conditioned AC EMU suburban train was flagged off from Borivali station on western railway in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The AC train departed from Andheri Station and reached Churchgate.
The services of AC local train will replace existing 12 Non AC services. Out of 12 services of AC Local train 8 will run fast and will only halt at major stations.

Features of India’s first AC local

The first of its kind air-conditioned suburban local train local was brought to Mumbai from Integral Coach Factory, Chennai in April 2016. Since then it has undergone 65 trial runs at Kurla and Virar car-sheds. It will run on weekdays and on weekends i.e. on Saturday and Sunday it will be not operated for maintenance purpose.
Capacity: It has room for total of 5,964 people, with seating capacity for 1,028 and standing space for 4,936.
Reserved seats and coaches: The 1st and 12th coaches from Churchgate end are earmarked as ladies coaches. As many as seven seats in second and eleventh coach from Churchgate end are reserved for senior citizens. 10 seats in 4th and 7th coaches from Churchgate end are reserved for physically disabled passengers.
Security Features: Its coaches have automatic doors, a first in the suburban system. RPF constables will be present in each coach to ensure proper security.
Moreover, each coach is provided with passenger alarm indication lights on both sides, which are integrated with alarm chain pulling system. It also has ‘Emergency Talk Back’ facility in passenger areas (four in each coach) to communicate with motorman during any emergency.
Information system: It is also equipped with GPS-based passenger information system with audio-visual indication of stations for guard-driver and passenger communication. It also has facility of announcement from motorman and guard cab to passenger area.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2017