Mumbai: Western Railways on mission to get more people to take to AC trains

The Western Railway GM says if one compares the fare of the AC local trains, it is still cheaper as compared to other modes of public transport in the city. File/Nimesh Dave

The Western Railway on Wednesday said they were trying to explore various possibilities to make AC local trains even attractive, so that more commuters take them. AC EMU local train numbers have been slow in growth, and the railways have decided to offer all possible options in the given limitations to make them attractive. It has been observed that many people are willing to take the train, but not ready to invest in them (by taking passes) as there are not enough services. There are 12 daily AC train services on the WR currently.

"There are various suggestions, including one of allowing passengers waiting on the platform to get into the AC train and then pay the difference of fare. We will explore the possibility," Alok Kansal, general manager, said. Kansal said if one compared the fare of the AC local trains, it was still cheaper as compared to other modes of public transport in the city, and commuters should go for it.

Recently, the Western Railway conducted a survey among local train commuters of the Mumbai Suburban network, and tried to know their preference for a change in local train services. Kansal said the people who participated in the survey opted for an increase in AC local rail services with preference to semi-AC trains, comprising first, second and AC coaches, to increase the frequency.

On Tuesday night, in a historic and big move, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a two and a half-hour marathon meeting with Mumbai officials, in principle, decided that Mumbai will now get only full air-conditioned local trains with fare structure on the lines of Mumbai Metro (MMRDA) standards. The design of local trains will also be changed to that of international Metro trains to be manufactured by private players instead of the traditional rail factory.

12
No. of daily AC train services being run on Western Railway