Air-conditioned locals for WR by early 2013

Air-conditioned local trains are likely to become a reality by the first half of 2013. Western Railway’s (WR) general manager Mahesh Kumar assured a commuter representative that WR will bring air-conditioned locals on tracks within a year.

Air-conditioned local trains are likely to become a reality by the first half of 2013. Western Railway’s (WR) general manager Mahesh Kumar assured a commuter representative that WR will bring air-conditioned locals on tracks within a year.

HT Image

“Kumar informed us in the zonal railway user’s consultative committee (ZRUCC) meeting that they have planned to introduce air-conditioned local trains in Mumbai by the end of this financial year,” said Shailendra Goyal, member of ZRUCC.

A senior railway official said that the WR had placed an order with a Chennai-based integral coach factory (ICF) for its prototype of an AC local in the beginning of this year. ICF has already started work on the air-conditioned rake.

Even Lucknow-based Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has recently finalised specifications of air-conditioned local trains in Mumbai, said a WR official.

He added that the prototype local won’t hit tracks immediately as it will have to go through rigorous tests by RDSO and will also need certification from commissioner railway safety (CRS).

Apart from air-conditioned local trains, Mumbai is expected to receive new improved stainless steel local trains under the Rs5300 crore Mumbai Urban Transport Project-II (MUTP-II) next year.