Commuter activist suggests tips for better locals at lower cost

Install windows that open downwards in local trains, use the train's movement to draw or force in air and place the fans at proper angles on the side of the coaches.

These simple and cost-effective solutions for suburban trains are a part of an open letter sent by a city-based architect and commuter activist to Sam Pitroda, who has been appointed as the head the committee on modernisation of the Indian Railways.

“It is unfortunate that the railways want to spend money on electro-mechanical devices, which might fail and require maintenance,” said Jagdeep Desai, an architect and member of the Forum for Improving Quality of Life in Mumbai/Suburbs.

“It is obvious that ventilation is a problem in over-crowded coaches. I would utilise the movement of the train to draw or force in air from the lower portion of the coach, and let natural convection direct it upwards," he suggested. 

Desai pointed out that another inappropriate design in trains is the window grille. “The windows should open downwards and not upwards. The grilles have been placed to protect commuters from objects and chain snatchers. But even if the fixed portion is kept on the lower half of the window, it would  protect seated passengers,” he said in the letter.

“Fans should be placed at an angle on the side of the coaches such that they direct the air towards the exhaust, rather than blowing hot air down on our heads, like the present ones do,” Desai  added.