Field trials of Mumbai’s AC trains likely to begin from Dec 10

Eight months after their arrival in the city, the first indigenously-developed air-conditioned suburban local trains is still undergoing trials.

Eight months after their arrival in the city, the first indigenously-developed air-conditioned suburban local trains is still undergoing trials.

Eight months after their arrival in the city, the first indigenously-developed air-conditioned suburban local trains is still undergoing trials. (HT File Photo)

The railway authorities have just finished static trials — those conducted in stationary position or indoors — of the train and officials say the dynamic or field trials of the train are likely to begin within the next 10-15 days.

Before beginning the dynamic trials, the railway authorities are going to upgrade the software based on the results of the static trials within a week.

“The static trials of the train just finished and based on the results of the trials, the software of the train will be upgraded within a week,” said a senior railway official. He added that once it done, the dynamic trials should begin anytime soon around December 10.

According to railway officials, dynamic trials will go on for at least three months. “After the dynamic trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety will also conduct the trials, before inducting the train into passengers’ service,” said the official.

Indigenously developed and manufactured at Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian railways. The train is fitted with the electric systems developed by Bharat Heavy Electrics Limited.

The AC train arrived in Mumbai in the beginning of April 2016. The introduction of the blue-and-silver AC suburban locals is expected make suburban commute smoother and comfortable. The train has a seating capacity of 1,028 passengers and 4,964 could travel standing and passengers could move from one coach of train to other as all coaches are interconnected with air -tight vestibules.

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