Mumbai gets India’s first AC local train
MUMBAI: With more than 1,000 commuters on board, the first air-conditioned suburban train in India completed its first run from Borivli to Churchgate on Monday. Although some complained about the steep tariff, most were upbeat about seeing the service finally being launched.
The train was welcomed with much fanfare at platform number 9 of Borivli station around 10am. As excited western railway (WR) commuters stepped in, most ensured they got a seat near the glass windows that offered a panoramic view of the entire section.
The train, left Borivli station at 10.30am and reached Churchgate in 45 minutes.
On the first day of operation, 579 commuters bought tickets for the train that has a capacity of 5,964, according to railway statistics. The WR earned ~62,746 from the six services of the train.
The WR personnel also booked a commuter for travelling without a ticket and got him to pay ₹435 fine.
Meanwhile, passenger associations are irked as the AC local train has not come as an additional train, but in place of a regular local train. One local train is used for 12 services a day.
“The introduction of the AC local train is a good move, but the railways should not have replaced a local train. During peak hours, a single train carries more than 40,000 commuters. Removing a train will affect commuters,” said Subhash Gupta, president, Rail Yatri Parishad.