In a significant move to improve accessibility and comfort for elderly passengers, Central Railway has introduced the first Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rake featuring a specially renovated compartment exclusively for senior citizens on the Mumbai suburban network.
This initiative, carried out by the Matunga Workshop of Central Railway, follows directives from the Railway Board aimed at enhancing inclusive and commuter-friendly infrastructure. The upgraded rake includes a dedicated senior citizen compartment, created by converting the middle luggage section in the sixth coach from the Mumbai end of the train.
The redesigned compartment is intended to ease the physical strain that elderly passengers often face while boarding and alighting from crowded local trains, particularly during peak hours. The new layout accommodates 13 seats, arranged in a way that provides both comfort and ease of access. Stainless steel tubular partitions have been installed to offer improved visibility and free movement within the compartment. These partitions also include sight-level panels and integrated grab poles for added stability.
To further enhance passenger safety, knurled vertical grab poles have been placed near the doorways, while emergency ladders have been fitted under both door frames. The compartment has also been aesthetically upgraded with vinyl wrapping, creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment.
“This prototype marks an important step toward inclusive mobility,” said Central Railway spokesperson. “It addresses long-standing concerns of senior commuters and represents our commitment to passenger-centric upgrades.”
Central Railway plans to gradually convert all EMU rakes in its suburban fleet to include this facility. The move aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of enhancing commuter experience and ensuring that train travel remains accessible, safe, and comfortable for all, especially vulnerable sections of society.
Central Railway fines over 980 commuters travelling in Mumbai trains without tickets
Meanwhile, Central Railway’s Mumbai Division on June 25 said that it has fined over 980 commuters travelling without tickets and recovered Rs 3.18 lakh in just eight days, officials said.
An official statement said that the Central Railway received strong public support for its focused ticket-checking drive in First Class compartments of suburban Mumbai local trains.
The special initiative, which ran from June 16 to June 2025, aimed to stop unauthorised travel and improve the experience for genuine First Class commuters.
The action followed repeated complaints from passengers about people travelling without proper First Class tickets or passes.
To tackle the issue, ticket-checking squads supported by Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff were posted in First Class compartments during morning and evening peak hours. These checks were carried out randomly across trains on the Main Line, Harbour Line, and Trans-Harbour Line, the statement said.
“A dedicated team of 41 ticket checkers and 7 RPF staff per shift checked 103 suburban services. During the drive, 984 cases of irregular travel were recorded, and fines totalling Rs 3.18 lakh were collected,” the official statement said.
