Automatic doors in AC coaches

Indian Railways are planning to install automatic doors in AC coaches of some of the premier trains, on the lines of those in Metro, to enhance passenger safety measures and check criminal activities on trains.

The new system will be controlled by the driver or guard from his cabin. He will be able to open the doors automatically when train arrives at station, and close when it departs.
Currently, train doors are opened and closed manually. “Under the automatic system, if all the doors are not closed, a train will not move,” said an official.

A meeting of the railway board was held last week to finalise the proposal for introducing automatic doors system in trains.

“Research Design and Standards Organisation is finalising the specifications for the system. It will be fitted in a rake of 20 AC coaches in the Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala as a pilot project,” the official said.

“A non-AC coach in Delhi division will be made functional with the automatic closing door system for trial purpose.”

Many people have lost their lives falling off running trains while standing on foot-board.
According to the official, Allahabad High Court had directed the Railways to instal automatic doors in passenger coaches to prevent passengers from falling off running trains. Railways had appealed to the Supreme Court against the order, but the apex court had upheld the High Court decision.