Three-phase EMU train promises greater safety

For commuters on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu suburban line, there is something to cheer about. Southern Railway has introduced a three-phase Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU). The 12-car rake, which will be operated six times between Chennai Beach and Chengalpattu and three times between Chennai Beach and Tambaram, began its “run” on 20thFebruary 2018. Among features of this EMU that are likely to appeal to passengers are: Ergonomically-designed seats, an increase in “standing passengers” capacity from 3768 to 4852, a modular roof-mounted ventilation system in addition to the regular fans, CCTV cameras in all the compartments for women, LED lights, LED indication when a chain is pulled, and a tweaked passenger information system.. There is a plan to introduce one five more 12-car rakes on this line, one expected in the first week of March, and the other four by the end of May. Plans are on to operate all the six rakes with 9 services each, however, that depends on the traffic in the track signalling system.The three-phase EMU puts out 5744hp, as against 3584hp by a single-phase train.Sensors installed in the cabin facilitate computer-monitored speed control and braking. An event recorder, along the lines of a black box in planes, has been incorporated and during braking, 30% power will be regenerated.