MUMBAI: Suburban railway network witnessed anxious moments on Monday after passengers aboard an air-conditioned local train reported breathing difficulties near Mulund station, prompting Central Railway to withdraw the rake from service and send one commuter to hospital.Initial reports circulating on social media and among commuters claimed that several women passengers had suffered suffocation after the train’s air-conditioning system stopped working, with some allegedly fainting inside the crowded coach.The reports triggered concerns over passenger safety on Mumbai’s AC local services, where sealed coaches depend entirely on the air-conditioning system for ventilation.Central Railway, however, said its records showed that only one passenger required medical attention.According to railway officials, the rake operating train TL18 was withdrawn from service after reaching Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and sent to the car shed for inspection.As a result, the scheduled C-15 service was cancelled, while the C-18 service was operated using another rake from the car shed.The railway identified the passenger who fell ill as Fahim Ansari, who complained of breathing difficulty. Medical assistance was arranged at Mulund station before he was shifted to a hospital as a precaution.Officials said he was discharged at around 11. 30am after treatment.Central Railway added that two other passengers who had complained of discomfort recovered after receiving assistance and continued their journey.Passengers had alleged that the train’s air-conditioning system had remained non-functional for around 15 minutes while the coaches were crowded.Since AC local coaches have sealed automatic doors, commuters claimed the lack of ventilation caused discomfort and breathing difficulties inside the train.Railway officials said the precise cause of the technical problem is under examination.
