New Delhi/Mumbai: In the wake of a tragic incident where four commuters died and several were injured after falling from overcrowded local trains in Thane district, the Railway Ministry has announced major safety upgrades for Mumbai’s suburban train system.

A senior official confirmed on Monday that the Indian Railways has decided to equip both new and existing local trains with automatic door-closing systems.

The decision follows a horrific accident on Monday morning near Mumbra station, where two packed trains brushed against each other on a curve, causing several passengers who were hanging onto the footboards to fall. Four passengers lost their lives, and at least nine were injured.

To prevent such tragedies, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been directed to manufacture non-air-conditioned local trains with automatic doors specially designed for Mumbai Suburban services.

Key features:

Automatic Doors with Louvres

To maintain airflow and avoid suffocation, the automatic doors will include louvres (slats) that allow for ventilation.

Roof-Mounted Ventilation Units

New non-AC coaches will be fitted with roof-mounted systems to pump in fresh air continuously.

Vestibule Connections Between Coaches

Passengers will be able to move between coaches more freely, helping balance crowd density and reducing footboard travel.

When will the new trains roll out?

According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information and Publicity), Railway Board, the first prototype train is expected to be ready by November 2025, with trial runs and certification to follow. The new coaches could enter service by January 2026.

Existing trains to be upgraded

Alongside the 238 AC trains already being manufactured, the Railways will also retrofit existing non-AC trains with automatic door systems. A redesign is underway to overcome ventilation issues that previously made such systems unfeasible in non-AC coaches.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and top Railway Board officials held a detailed meeting on Monday with ICF engineers to address design and safety challenges, particularly for Mumbai's high-density suburban operations.

The Central Railway has reiterated its commitment to commuter safety and has urged passengers to avoid travelling on footboards, especially during rush hour.