The second air-conditioned local will have room for 600 more commuters – that's 10 per cent more than the current capacity of 6,200. The additional room has been created by repositioning power transformers and electrical units.
In conventional locals, every third coach of a 12-car train contains power transformers and electricals, along with seats. In the new local, these go below the coaches.
The Railways is also contemplating changing the seating arrangement to a Metro-like configuration, which will further increase capacity by 35 per cent to over 8,500 commuters. However, the longitudinal seating arrangement is cause for apprehension. Officials fear overloading at peak hours could imbalance the wheels and axle and derail a train.
Currently, one sqmt of coach floorspace holds 15 to 16 persons. "At present, trials are underway and shall continue through the monsoon," said Ravinder Bhakar, Chief PRO, Western Railway.
Some changes have already been made at the Virar carshed. For the first time, CCTVs have been installed on both ends, right next to headlight to help document events that lead up to mishaps, derailment or technical failure.
