The Central Railway is revisiting plans to reintroduce air-conditioned local trains on Mumbai’s Harbour line, following a notable surge in ridership on the Main line’s AC services. The revival comes amid rising commuter preference for AC travel, especially after 14 new services were added in April 2025, increasing the total from 66 to 80.
Over 35 lakh commuters use Central Railway’s suburban network daily across its Main, Harbour, Trans-Harbour, and Belapur-Uran lines. Railway officials believe reviving AC services on the Harbour line could boost comfort and support Mumbai’s push for more commuter-friendly and climate-resilient public transport.
AC locals were first introduced on the Harbour line in 2021 but discontinued in 2022 due to low footfall, attributed to higher fares and unsuitable service timings. However, the renewed success on the Main Line has prompted authorities to assess the Harbour Corridor’s potential once again.
Under the proposed plan, 14 AC services—seven in each direction—are being considered to replace existing non-AC locals. These will likely be scheduled during peak hours to benefit office-goers. Notable candidates for conversion include the 9:09 am Panvel-CSMT and 5:30 pm Vadala-Panvel services.
While AC trains offer clear advantages in terms of comfort and heat protection, fare affordability remains a concern. Previous shifts from regular to AC services, especially during rush hours, faced backlash from cost-sensitive commuters. To address this, officials are exploring flexible fare models or hybrid schedules.
If implemented thoughtfully, the Harbour Line’s AC revival could redefine urban rail travel, placing greater emphasis on commuter dignity, health, and sustainability. As Mumbai evolves, the move reflects a larger vision of making efficient and comfortable transit a standard, not a privilege.
Source: Urban Acres
