Mumbai Rail Tragedy Prompts Indian Railways to Upgrade Non-AC Train Design

In response to a recent accident on the Mumbai rail network, which resulted in multiple fatalities, Indian Railways is set to redesign its non-AC train fleet. The new design will prioritize passenger safety by incorporating auto-closing doors and improved ventilation. The goal is to mitigate risks associated with overcrowding, a common issue on the Mumbai local trains. The Railway Board stated that the upgraded trains will be ready by November 2025, followed by service implementation by January 2026, after all the necessary tests and certifications are completed. Key changes include doors with louvres and roof-mounted ventilation units to counter the issue of potential suffocation due to poor ventilation. Vestibules will also be added to allow for better crowd management.