AC EMU Rake: Kolkata’s suburban transport network witnessed another milestone as Eastern Railway received its second 12-coach fully air-conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (AC EMU) rake, further enhancing the city’s modern public transport infrastructure. The arrival follows a successful trial of the first AC EMU rake, which marked the beginning of air-conditioned suburban services in the Sealdah Division.
The addition of this second AC rake signals Eastern Railway’s commitment to improving passenger comfort and addressing the rising demands of suburban commuters. Alongside the arrival, several additional conventional EMU services have been introduced in key sectors to manage congestion and ensure timely connectivity.
Second AC EMU Rake Joins Fleet
The newly arrived AC EMU rake was manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. After a detailed inspection and trial run, the rake was transferred to Kolkata via Howrah and Dum Dum stations before being inducted into the Sealdah fleet.
The 12-car stainless steel rake is equipped with advanced features such as:
- Fully air-conditioned coaches
- Electrically operated automatic sliding doors
- GPS-based passenger information and announcement systems
- Interconnected gangways for easy movement
- Enhanced safety with onboard CCTV cameras
- Ergonomic seating with non-slip rubber flooring
- LED lighting and improved ventilation systems
The rake is designed for speeds of up to 110 km/h, and its sleek exterior and modern interiors reflect a significant step forward in upgrading Kolkata’s aging suburban rolling stock.
Comfortable Travel at Affordable Fares
Eastern Railway has emphasized that the new AC EMU services will remain accessible to daily commuters. The fare system has been structured to make AC travel affordable and inclusive:
- ₹29 for journeys up to 10 km
- ₹37 for 11–15 km
- ₹47 for 16–20 km
- Monthly and quarterly season tickets also available at economical rates
These fares are significantly lower than other air-conditioned modes of travel in the city, making the service not only modern but also practical for the average suburban traveler.
Where Will the Rakes Run?
While the first AC rake is undergoing trial runs on the Sealdah–Ranaghat section and is likely to be introduced for commercial service soon, the second AC rake is currently being evaluated for deployment.
The Railway Board, in coordination with Eastern Railway, is analyzing passenger demand and operational feasibility before finalizing the exact route for the new rake. Sectors under consideration include:
- Sealdah–Ranaghat
- Sealdah–Baruipur
- Sealdah–Diamond Harbour
- Sealdah–Krishnanagar
Boost in Suburban Services Across Sectors
In addition to the AC EMU rollout, Eastern Railway has added more conventional EMU trains to cater to increasing passenger demand across multiple corridors:
- Three new EMU services have been introduced on the Sealdah–Diamond Harbour line, a critical stretch for daily office-goers and students.
- Two additional EMU services now run on the Barasat–Basirhat section, strengthening connectivity in the North 24 Parganas district.
- Five more trains have been added to the Dumdum Cantonment–Bongaon route, which services a dense suburban population.
These expansions are part of a broader effort to streamline suburban operations, reduce waiting time, and address overcrowding during peak hours.
Why AC EMU Services Matter
Kolkata’s suburban rail network is one of the busiest in the country, catering to over 3.5 million daily passengers. The network’s infrastructure, particularly in the Sealdah Division, has long required upgrades to match rising urban demands and climatic challenges.
The AC EMUs serve a dual purpose:
- Comfort: Air-conditioning offers a significant respite from Kolkata’s harsh summer and monsoon humidity, enhancing the daily commute experience.
- Efficiency: Faster door operation, smoother rides, and better crowd management help maintain punctuality and safety.
The rollout reflects a national trend where cities like Mumbai and Delhi are also witnessing the induction of AC rakes into their suburban systems.
Future Plans
Officials indicate that more AC EMU rakes are expected to arrive in phases over the next 12 months. These rakes will be strategically deployed across high-traffic routes to test long-term feasibility and commuter response.
Additionally, efforts are being made to:
- Upgrade station infrastructure to support AC rake operations
- Improve scheduling systems to accommodate both AC and non-AC rakes without delay
- Provide digital ticketing options specific to AC EMU services
- Integrate security systems to monitor onboard safety
Public Response
While full-scale commercial operations are yet to begin, early feedback from trial passengers and railway staff has been largely positive. Many commuters see the AC EMU as a long-overdue upgrade and a step toward a more dignified and efficient daily commute.
There are still challenges ahead, particularly in terms of scheduling, maintenance logistics, and last-mile connectivity. However, the move signals a shift in the mindset of railway authorities toward modernization and commuter satisfaction.
Conclusion
With the induction of the second AC EMU rake and the concurrent expansion of suburban EMU services, Eastern Railway is aligning itself with the future of mass transit. These changes, although incremental, represent a foundational shift in how Kolkata’s massive suburban rail system is managed and experienced.
As more AC rakes are integrated into service and additional routes are electrified and modernized, Kolkata’s suburban railways may soon offer the comfort and reliability found in other global cities — all while keeping fares within reach of the average commuter.
External References
- Eastern Railway – Official Site
- Integral Coach Factory – Chennai
- Indian Railways – Passenger Amenities
- Kolkata Suburban Railway Overview
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
