Brand-new EMU coaches with fresh designs and cosy stainless steel interiors have arrived for operation on the Tambaram-Beach and Beach-Velachery route.
A total of five 9-car coaches had been sanctioned and two have already arrived for operation on the Beach-Tambaram route.
Unlike the old, dull ivory and green rectangular boxes resembling goods containers, the new carriages have glossy stainless steel interiors with a bright shell white and purple lining on the exterior that renders a bullet-train like look to it.
Even the engines have been aerodynamically designed with a protruding nose for better aerodynamics and velocity, Railway officials said.
Moreover the new rakes will not produce screeching noises and jerks experienced in the existing worn-out EMU rakes.
The new coaches will also have transparent glass windows that will allow commuters to identify the stations even when the doors are closed during rains.
Passengers would feel the experience of traveling in vehicles with air-suspension, for the will not feel the friction even while the trains run at 80 kmph, officials pointed out.
The onus is now on the management to expedite works and construct more pit lanes (roads) to berth and repair additional EMUs so that the new coaches can be better maintained, sources at the car shed added. There are only six pit lanes, against the required 24.
The new trains, when launched, could reduce the EMU frequency on the route from 15-20 minutes to less than eight minutes, the officials opined.