Overview
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the policy in Mumbai, confirming automatic doors as a standard feature for local trains.
- A total of 238 fully air-conditioned rakes with sensor-based doors are in production for deployment on Central and Western Railway corridors.
- Existing non-AC locals will be retrofitted, with an Integral Coach Factory prototype rake due in November for trials before wider rollout.
- The system is designed to shut before departure and reopen only after a halt to curb falls and prevent boarding or alighting from moving trains.
- Non-AC prototypes include ventilated panels, roof-mounted air circulation units and interconnecting vestibules to address airflow and crowding concerns.