Commuters on Mumbai’s Central Railway network will have access to more air-conditioned local train services from Monday, June 29, as the railway converts 12 existing non-AC suburban services into AC locals on the Main Line.
The move is aimed at enhancing passenger comfort, particularly during peak travel hours, while maintaining the total number of weekday suburban services at 1,820.
Under the revised timetable, six Up and six Down non-air-conditioned local trains will be replaced with AC services. These trains will operate on key suburban routes connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Thane, Kalyan, Kurla, Ghatkopar and Titwala, offering commuters a more comfortable travel experience.
Following the latest expansion, Central Railway will operate a total of 120 AC suburban services on weekdays. Of these, 92 services will run on the Main Line, up from the existing 80, while the Harbour Line will continue to operate 28 AC local services.
The revised schedule will come into effect from Monday, with no change in the overall frequency of suburban train operations across the network.
Central Railway has clarified that on Sundays and notified public holidays, the same services will continue to run using non-AC train rakes to ensure greater operational flexibility.
The introduction of additional AC local trains reflects the railway’s continued efforts to improve the daily commuting experience as demand for air-conditioned suburban travel continues to rise. Over the past few years, AC local trains have gained popularity among office-goers and regular passengers seeking a more comfortable journey, especially during Mumbai’s hot and humid weather.
By expanding the number of AC services without reducing the overall suburban train frequency, Central Railway aims to offer commuters more travel options while helping ease crowding in existing air-conditioned services. The latest addition is expected to further strengthen Mumbai’s suburban rail network by balancing commuter comfort with efficient operations.
Source: Swarajya
