Mumbai: Second AC local to arrive this month, will have solar panels

Good news for Mumbaikars, as second AC local will arrive in the city this month. It will also have an increased carrying capacity and will run between Virar and Churchgate. Also, one of the best features of this train is that it will have solar panels fitted on its top which will help to operate lights and fans.

The second AC local will be a 12-coach train but will have increased carrying capacity. While the AC local already in service can accommodate 5,964 commuters, the new train will be able to carry an additional 350 passengers. This new train will be entirely vestibule.

Shubhranshu, the principal chief engineer at Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) told the leading daily, “The train will be fitted with under-slung equipment, which means electrical equipment will be below the rake. Commuters will also experience a far smoother ride compared to other trains because the under-slung equipment lowers the center of gravity of the coaches, thereby improving stability at high speed and on curves.”

The Railways have planned to add nine AC trains to the Mumbai suburban network. The Central line is likely to get its first AC local by June 2019. The Western Railway got its first AC local on December 25, 2017.