In a knee-jerk reaction to the ongoing crisis, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his team have announced a new design for non-AC local trains featuring closed doors. However, city commuters and experts argue that this may not be a practical solution, pointing out that the new non-AC trains with doors may have a limited effect. Commuters have instead suggested double-decker trains for Mumbai`s suburban routes. Security reasons prevent the installation of vestibules through ladies` and first-class compartments. Furthermore, the proposed open-roof ventilation vents could lead to rainwater entering the coaches.

The initial order to retrofit automatic doors on existing trains has now been revised; only new builds are mandated to have them. Air-conditioning cannot be retrofitted and can only be built into new rakes. “This is a knee-jerk reaction,” said rail commuter Hemang Desai. “How will a vestibule work with the various types of compartments like ladies, first class, and luggage? It`s foolish to expect much from the ministry. Forced ventilation was already available, but was discontinued last year for no reason. Now they are offering the same thing as a solution?”

Commuters wait for the train at Borivli station yesterday