Indian Railways Announces New Non-AC Coach Design with Enhanced Ventilation After Mumbai Incident

In response to the tragic incident that took place today in Mumbai, the Railway Minister, along with top Railway Board officials, held an urgent meeting with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) team to address safety and passenger comfort concerns in non-AC trains. 

In the wake of the sad incident today in Mumbai, the Railway Minister and Railway Board officials had a detailed meeting with the ICF (Integral Coach Factory) team

After detailed discussions, it was decided that new non AC trains will be designed and manufactured where the key…

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2025

After comprehensive discussions, Indian Railways announced that it will redesign and manufacture new non-AC trains with a sharp focus on improving ventilation — a key factor in preventing overcrowding-related fatalities.

Key Design Improvements Announced:

Louvred Doors: The new coaches will feature doors with louvres to facilitate better airflow, even when trains are stationary or moving slowly.

Roof-Mounted Ventilation Units: These units will actively pump in fresh air into the coaches, significantly improving internal air circulation and reducing the risk of suffocation or discomfort.

Vestibule Connectivity: The trains will include interconnected coaches through vestibules, allowing passengers to move between coaches easily. This will help in natural crowd redistribution, particularly during peak hours.

The first prototype of this newly designed train is expected to be ready by November 2025. After undergoing mandatory testing and certification, the train is slated to enter service by January 2026.

A Step Towards Safer, Smarter Travel

This decision reflects the railways’ commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and modernization. The move has been widely welcomed, especially in light of the increasing passenger load on non-AC coaches in metropolitan cities.

Officials have emphasized that these design changes are a part of a larger push towards reliable, humane, and future-ready railway infrastructure.

Further investigations into the Mumbai incident are underway, and additional measures to ensure accountability and safety protocols are expected to follow.