Second AC local train will be introduced on Dec 31

The second air condition rake will be introduced in Mumbai on December 31 which will sport similar features like the metro train. However, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) have decided to make several crucial changes such as increasing the capacity and will also work on a door closure system so there is no loss of time. Sudhanshu Mani, general manager, ICF said there were many problems in the first AC local which was related to the door-closure system and leaks from the AC system. The second rake will have power equipment in the underslung and the power capacity of motors will be increased by 50 per cent.

“ICF is also working on developing three types of AC trains. The first type will have all equipment mounted underneath the floor, and wide, sealed gangways for passengers to move from one end to another. It will have 50 per cent motoring for higher acceleration, which will help counter the extra time required at platforms for the door closing mechanism,” added Mani. He further added the AC Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) will be prototypes, and the factory has sanction to develop AC EMUs indigenously. “By the end of the month first such AC rakes will be ready and by March 2019 another one will be ready. It will also need to undergo trials and testing,” Mani said.

In the second type, the rakes would be partially air-conditioned. The full AC EMU rakes made at ICF would be split into halves and six AC coaches will be attached to the existing six non-AC coaches to make a partial AC 12 car train. In the third type, the AC EMU will have on-board equipment and a continuous gangway connection between each of the six coaches. The prototype will be in addition to the 47 AC EMUs being procured under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project 3, the 12 more that are expected from Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL).

It will have similar features to that of Metro train, but will emphasise on door closure system to save time