In a knee-jerk reaction to the ongoing crisis, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his team have announced a new design for non-AC local trains featuring closed doors. However, city commuters and experts argue that this may not be a practical solution, pointing out that the new non-AC trains with doors may have a limited effect. Commuters have instead suggested double-decker trains for Mumbai's suburban routes. Security reasons prevent the installation of vestibules through ladies' and first-class compartments. Furthermore, the proposed open-roof ventilation vents could lead to rainwater entering the coaches.

The initial order to retrofit automatic doors on existing trains has now been revised; only new builds are mandated to have them. Air-conditioning cannot be retrofitted and can only be built into new rakes. “This is a knee-jerk reaction,” said rail commuter Hemang Desai. “How will a vestibule work with the various types of compartments like ladies, first class, and luggage? It's foolish to expect much from the ministry. Forced ventilation was already available, but was discontinued last year for no reason. Now they are offering the same thing as a solution?”

Commuters wait for the train at Borivli station yesterday