: INTRODUCTION OF A/C SUBURBAN TRAINS IN THE CITY – A WELCOME MOVE :
The introduction of air-conditioned suburban trains in the city is a most welcome development.
* A heartfelt thank you to the engineers at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for their innovations and rapid production. It was at ICF that the Indian Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) chair car train set for long-distance travel was designed and developed under the leadership of General Manager Sudhanshu Mani. This train, which rolled out in 2019 as Train 18, became the predecessor of the Vande Bharat Express. These modern trains feature two pilot cabins—one at each end—similar to EMUs, eliminating the need for time-consuming shunting during peak hours.
* Commuters will undoubtedly express their gratitude to Southern Railways for this thoughtful initiative. In a city with sweltering heat and high humidity, traveling in overcrowded, non-air-conditioned coaches often means arriving at work drenched in sweat, with neatly pressed clothes in disarray. The second-class compartments, used by a diverse range of passengers, also lack automatic doors, leading to dangerous situations where commuters hang precariously near the entrances, exposed to potential accidents.
* Until recently, suburban rail ticket prices were extremely low—just ₹5 for a 20 km journey, with even more subsidized rates for monthly and quarterly passes. A couple of years ago, we had submitted proposals through Local Circles to revise ticket pricing, as there was no scope for the railways to achieve breakeven or profitability under such rates.
* This new initiative not only enhances commuter safety and comfort but also paves the way for a more sustainable expense-to-income ratio for the railways. more
* A heartfelt thank you to the engineers at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for their innovations and rapid production. It was at ICF that the Indian Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) chair car train set for long-distance travel was designed and developed under the leadership of General Manager Sudhanshu Mani. This train, which rolled out in 2019 as Train 18, became the predecessor of the Vande Bharat Express. These modern trains feature two pilot cabins—one at each end—similar to EMUs, eliminating the need for time-consuming shunting during peak hours.
* Commuters will undoubtedly express their gratitude to Southern Railways for this thoughtful initiative. In a city with sweltering heat and high humidity, traveling in overcrowded, non-air-conditioned coaches often means arriving at work drenched in sweat, with neatly pressed clothes in disarray. The second-class compartments, used by a diverse range of passengers, also lack automatic doors, leading to dangerous situations where commuters hang precariously near the entrances, exposed to potential accidents.
* Until recently, suburban rail ticket prices were extremely low—just ₹5 for a 20 km journey, with even more subsidized rates for monthly and quarterly passes. A couple of years ago, we had submitted proposals through Local Circles to revise ticket pricing, as there was no scope for the railways to achieve breakeven or profitability under such rates.
* This new initiative not only enhances commuter safety and comfort but also paves the way for a more sustainable expense-to-income ratio for the railways. more
Viewed by 1090
Hope Bangalore transport authorities learn from their chennai counterparts in designing the public transport system, instead of looking at Singapore or other developed countries. more
Feb 14
A/C suburban trains is a good move. Thanks to the author for giving the facts. The suburban train ticket prices are extremely low and needs to be revised. more
Feb 13
Earlier trains manufactured here are being used in Mumbai suburban services. A good accommodating capacity of 5,80 Passengers more
Feb 13
