CR AC locals chart successful journey

In response to the growing number of air-conditioned (AC) local train passengers, the Central Railway (CR) is planning to acquire three additional rakes. Currently, CR operates five AC rake sets, with four in active service and one reserved for emergency situations. These trains collectively facilitate 66 daily services.

Despite initial scepticism, AC local trains have garnered significant popularity, with average per-service occupancy surpassing 1,100. The surge in demand is evident from the staggering rise in ridership and revenue over the past few years. In 2020-21, the average daily number of passengers stood at 597, with a daily average revenue of Rs24,828. Fast forward to 202324, the figures skyrocketed to an average daily ridership of 57,057 and revenue of Rs25,70,156.

A senior officer said that daily AC ridership in 2022-23 was 39,442, which surged to 57,057 in 2023-24. Moreover, in April, the first month of the financial year 2024-25, the ridership stood at a significant 22,49,089, a remarkable 50% rise by 76,000 in comparison to the same month last year.

Sarika Jain, a resident of Kalyan and a frequent AC local commuter, said that the CR should enhance both frequency and efficiency of AC services, especially during peak hours. Joining the chorus praising the service was Sudarshan Kamble from Dombivali. He said that the comfort and convenience have undoubtedly struck a chord with the city’s populace.

Further underscoring the appeal of enhanced amenities, Kailash Pandav from Mulund highlighted how the improved comfort has attracted a diverse range of passengers, from daily commuters to occasional travellers. Nilesh Shah from Ghatkopar, too, echoed these sentiments, urging the authorities to ramp up the frequency, particularly during peak hours.