On Sunday 10 August, West Bengal ushered in a new era of suburban travel with the inaugural run of its first air conditioned electric multiple unit (AC EMU) local train, operating on the Sealdah-Ranaghat routec, a milestone for both the state and Eastern India.
Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and assigned to the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway, the 12 coach stainless-steel rake is built for modern comfort and efficiency. Each coach is equipped with CCTV surveillance, GPS enabled passenger information systems, automatic sliding doors, double sealed glass windows, end-to-end vestibule connections, and an emergency talk-back facility to contact the driver or guard in case of exigency.
On its inaugural journey, the AC EMU departed Ranaghat at 08:29 and reached Sealdah by 10:10. The return service left Sealdah at 18:50 and arrived at Ranaghat at 20:32. The train stops only at major suburban stations: Chakdah, Kalyani, Kanchrapara, Naihati, Barrackpore, Khardah, Sodepur, Dumdum and Bidhannagar.
This “galloping service”, as described by Eastern Railway, prioritises fewer stoppages to maintain brisk movement across this high density suburban corridor. The rake is capable of reaching up to 110 km/h, significantly enhancing transit efficiency.
Fares have been structured to remain commuter friendly, with single journey tickets ranging from Rs 29 for the first 10 km to Rs 120 for the entire stretch. Flexible season ticket options daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly, are also available.
Railway officials anticipate commencing commercial operations before Independence Day, making the launch a timely tribute to Kolkata’s commuters and a nod to the state’s commitment to modernisation and passenger welfare.
Authorities believe this upgraded service presents a substantial boost for daily travellers, offering a safe, cool and fast alternative to the overcrowded conventional locals. One commuter voiced cautious anticipation, noting that while the train is welcomed, “most of us still won’t get a seat” during peak rush hours.
As Kolkata’s suburban network evolves, the AC EMU service is poised to stand as a model of future upgrades, heralding increased comfort and reliability for rail users across the region.
