Central Railway to roll out new generation rakes

Mumbai, Feb 20 (UNI) The journey for the suburban commuters on the Central Railway is likely to become a bit pleasant with the Central Railway introducing 12 new services on the Thane-Vashi section with the new generation EMU rakes from Friday.

At the same time, the CR authorities will also convert twelve 9-car services into 12-car services.

''Considering that around 3,500 passengers travel in a 9-car EMU rake, by adding 12 new services on the Thane-Vashi section, an additional carrying capacity for 42,000 passengers will be generated,'' Central Railway General Manger Somya Raghwan told reporters during a media interaction programme.

''The passenger carrying capacity of the Central Railways will increase by 56,000 passengers per day or 20.44 million per year,'' she said.

The introduction of 12 new additional service will also enhance the number of total services between Thane-Vashi section from 66 to 78 services per day, whereas the total number of services to 1308 from the existing 1296, per day.

According to Ms Raghvan, the new generation technology rakes that are being introduced on the Central Railway are an improvised version of the similar rakes introduced on the Western Railways earlier.

''Based on the passengers' feed back, certain technical features in these rakes have been amended. Area of stripes in these rakes have been increased for easy identification of the first class coaches. In addition, smooth flooring has been replaced by chequered plates,'' she said.

The edges of every seat have been rounded and smoothened and a folding adjustible sun shield has been provided for motormen to protect from the glare of the sun.

UNI IAS SR AG2012