Mumbai’s Western Railway conducts safety trials for 18-car local trains on Virar-Dahanu stretch to address peak-hour crowding
18-Car Local Train Trials Scheduled in Mumbai
The rollout of 18-car local trains in Mumbai is progressing. The Western Railway is set to conduct important Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) and coupler force trials for these trains. The trials will take place on the Virar-Dahanu Road section in mid-January.
Trial Details
The trials are scheduled for January 14-15. They will test two types of 18-car formations. One formation is from Bombardier, which will be tested at speeds up to 110 kmph. The other is from Medha Electricals, set for trials at speeds up to 105 kmph.
| Trial Type | Speed (kmph) | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Bombardier | 110 | Bombardier |
| Medha | 105 | Medha Electricals |
Officials explained that EBD trials check how far a train stops during emergency braking. Coupler force tests measure forces between coaches during braking. Both tests are necessary for safety before allowing higher speeds and full passenger operations.
Importance of the Trials
The Virar-Dahanu stretch allows for higher-speed runs with less interference. Western Railway must ensure that the trains are ready and properly loaded. This will help the results reflect real-world conditions.
Railway officials noted that the results will influence the future use of 18-car AC locals on the Western Railway corridor. This corridor faces significant crowding during peak hours.
By testing both Bombardier and Medha systems together, the trials will provide valuable performance data. If successful, these tests will help Mumbai move closer to longer, faster, and safer AC suburban services on the Western Railway.
