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WR is set to receive a modern air-conditioned (AC) train, while CR will get a non-AC train to replace older ones on the Harbour Line.
WR will receive four of these as a priority, with Eastern and Southern Railways getting one each. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Mumbai’s Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) are finally getting new local trains after a wait of nearly four years, officials confirmed on Tuesday, according to Mid-day.
While WR will receive a modern air-conditioned (AC) local train to potentially expand its services, CR is set to get a regular non-AC train, primarily to replace older Harbour Line trains.
Central Railway:
A CR official explained, “We’ve received a non-AC train to replace an older one on the Harbour Line. It won’t add new services but will ensure smoother operations.”
Western Railway:
Meanwhile, an AC local train has been sent to WR from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. However, WR officials are still deciding how it will be used. “The details for service upgrades with the new AC rakes are being finalised,” an official said.
Western Railway had requested more AC trains due to rising commuter demand. As a result, eight new 12-car AC trains are being allocated across financial years 2023–2025. WR will receive four of these as a priority, with Eastern and Southern Railways getting one each. Currently, WR operates 96 AC services using seven AC trains.
Central Railway isn’t receiving any new AC trains for now, partly due to resistance from commuters. Since August 2022, AC trains on CR have sparked political debates, with NCP president Sharad Pawar advocating for their removal to prioritise affordable non-AC services for working-class passengers.
