City’s second AC train to get a Metro look, more speed

MUMBAI: The second AC rake that Mumbai will get will look similar to Metro trains as the Integral Coach Factory has decided to made several crucial modifications that will help increase capacity, besides improving the power to ensure that there is no loss of time due to the door closure system.

The first rake arrived in 2015 and was introduced in December 2017. The rake, though plying without major problems, has faced issues related to the door-closure system and leaks from the AC system.

ICF’s general manager Sudhanshu Mani said, “The second rake will have power equipment in the underslung and the power capacity of motors will be increased by 50%.” As a result, the rakes will be able to achieve faster acceleration which will help in making up for the time lost because of opening and closing of doors.

The shifting of power units to the underslung means a person can travel from one end of the train to another as the rake will have vestibule type of design. This will also increase the carrying capacity of the train.

Sudhanshu said, “It will have better quality seats and luggage rakes and modern braking system.” Mumbai will also get 10 more rakes of BHEL by the end of next year. The Central Railway will get the second one and in total 4 such rakes.

However, AC rake has become challenge of sorts for the railways as its introduction will mean reducing a non-AC rake, which carries more passengers. So any replacement of rake to accommodate an AC train will lead to backlash