Superb!! First air-conditioned EMU to be rolled out today by ICF in Chennai!!
Today, 12th February 2025 would be an important day in the ICF or Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
Today afternoon, ICF will be rolling out the first ever air-conditioned EMU or Electric Multiple Unit of Southern Railway or SR. Sound`s incredible isn`t it!!
It is now mentioned that the a/c train would start operating from March month and it would be operated on the busy Chennai Beach- Chengalpet route. As per some sources belonging to SR, the SR has requested another air-conditioned rake for its suburban sector.
Important feature of a/c EMU:
Point is that the air-conditioned EMU would have an energy efficient Electro Pneumatic Braking System having both electrical as well as pneumatic components to control the application of compressed air to brake cylinders. The sources have confirmed that the system would save electric energy up to 35 percent. Information collected is that the system would be on par with the metro trains regenerative brake system.
The important piece of information is that the 12 car EMU can clock speeds up to 100kmph and has a seating capacity of 1116 persons and 3798 standees. The air-conditioned EMU has got a stainless steel body with automatic doors. There would be LED displays, public announcement systems and CCTVs etc for safety in the EMU.
Just similar to how the metro train coaches have, each doorway would have a passenger talk back system. This would be the first time in the EMU segment of the SR. It must be recalled that last week in Vellore a pregnant woman was pushed off the train and it created a huge issue. It is now mentioned that the presence of talk back facility and CCTV surveillance etc would increase the safety of women passengers in the a/c EMU.
