Get set to travel in AC comfort

Western Railways is all set to begin the final trial run of air conditioned (AC) local trains from next week. The move comes after Central Railways authorities handed over the AC rakes to Western Railways recently.

During the trial run of the AC train on the central line, some issues had surfaced. “As the coaches of the air-conditioned variety is taller than the regular ones, the train brushed against the Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) during the trial runs conducted on the central line. There were few other technical issues,” said a Western Railways official.

Despite the problems, Western Railways had agreed to conduct the final trial run after the Railway Board asked them to take charge of the AC local train. Fortunately, Western Railways had already solved the problems relating to the height of the train. “We trimmed the railway tracks located at Mahalaxmi station,” said Ravinder Bhaker, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railways.

During the final run between Churchgate and Dahanu stations, equipment inside the train will be closely monitored. “The trial runs will be conducted over the next three months,” Bhaker added.

Once the trial runs are completed, a certificate will be given by experts from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) and Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO). Only then will the AC trains be declared fit for passenger service.