AC failure leads to new deboarding rule for local trains

Central Railway introduced a new protocol for AC local trains after three passengers fell ill on Monday in the 8.33 am Titwala-CSMT AC local.

The AC system failed for around 16 minutes after the train crossed Diva, and it continued until Mulund despite passengers complaining of suffocation.

Under the new rule, passengers will be deboarded at the next station if the cooling system fails, and the rake will be withdrawn for inspection.

The train supervisor was unable to inspect the affected coach while moving, and the rake had no prior defects when it left the car shed.

After the incident, staff operated the train with doors open between Mulund and Kurla to improve ventilation before withdrawing the rake at Kurla.