Central Railway's oldest coach to get off tracks on January 31

Central Railway

After serving for 34 years, a ‘senior citizen' amongst hundreds of suburban rail coaches in Mumbai will come to the end of its long journey. The oldest Central Railway (CR) coach CR72214 will get off tracks on January 31.

The oldest coach in the Central Railway retires this month end. Datta Kumbhar

Currently, the brown-coloured Jessop runs on the Thane-Panvel Trans Harbour line, where 210 train services ply every day. "This coach has exceeded its life and so, will be condemned," said Narendra Patil, chief PRO, Central Railway. The coach rests in the Sanpada carshed, and, after condemnation, CR authorities will move it to their Sanpada shed.

Following its retirement, 12 more coaches are set to hit 30 in the coming year. "There are 10 rakes of 12 coaches each that are between 26-30 years, while the rest are less than 25 years," said a CR official on condition of anonymity. According to railway officials the permissible life of a coach is 25 years, but it can continue running if, after maintenance, its condition remains suitable for smooth operations.