Amid Christmas festivities, India’s first air-conditioned local train journeyed from Borivali railway station to Churchgate terminus in south Mumbai on its inaugural run, completing the travel in 45 minutes.
A few hundreds of passengers – comprising media persons, Western Railway officials and political functionaries cheered, clapped, cut cakes and took selifies, as they travelled in the cool confines of the AC suburban local train which departed from Borivali railway station at 10.30 am and reached Churchgate terminus at 11.15 am.
Maharashtra School Education Minister Vinod Tawade, city MPs Kirit Somiaya, Gopal Shetty, MlA Ashish Shelar, Western Railway’s General Manager AK Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Central Mukul Jain jointly flagged off the AC local train on its inaugural run.
The passengers travelling by the maiden AC local train were cheered by people gathered at various suburban railway stations en route.
The Western Railway will operate AC local train on an experimental basis between Churchgate and Borivali stations till December 29.
Beginning January 1, 2018, the AC local train will run on a regular basis as per the scheduled time table between Churchgate and Virar stations.
The authorities will operate a total of 12 services of AC suburban train — 6 services each in up and down directions— on weekdays from Monday to Friday. The air-conditioned rakes will not be operated on Saturdays and Sundays to facilitate their maintenance.
The new AC train services will replace the existing 12 non-AC services. After the introduction of the new AC train services, the total average number of suburban services on WR’s suburban section will remain 1355.
Out of the to-be introduced 12 AC local train services, eight ill run as fast local trains between Churchgate and Virar, stopping only at major stations i.e. Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Borivali, Bhayander and Vasai Road in both directions.
Similarly, three fast services will run between Churchgate & Borivali stopping at Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra & Andheri stations in both directions. The remaining one service will run as slow service from Mahalaxmi to Borivali, which will stop at all intermediate stations. In this AC local train, coaches reserved for ladies and seats earmarked for Senior Citizens are different from Standard Configuration. While 1st and 12th coach from Churchgate end are earmarked as ladies coache and 7 seats in 2nd and 11th coach from Churchgate end are earmarked for Senior citizens, 10 seats in 4th and 7th coach from Churchgate end are earmarked for Divyangs.
In an effort to provide security to passengers travelling by AC locals, the WR will deploy suitable number of RPF constables in each coach of this train. Similarly, technicians will also be deputed in the train for trouble shooting purpose. Suitable announcements will also be ensured for opening of the door as per the platform position of upcoming station.
Manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, the fully air-conditioned air-suspension coaches have a capacity of carrying 5,964 commuters per rake, automatic door opening-closing system, lED lights, Emergency Talk Back System between commuters and guard besides a public address system, advanced GPS-based passenger information systems, speeds of upto 100kmph, air-tight vestibules inter-connecting all 12 coaches, other modern amenities and latest safety features for commuters. Each rake has 1028 seats and 4936 standing capacity.
The base fare for passengers travelling by AC locals for a single journey will be 1.3 times of the base fare of existing fare of single journey ticket for first class. However as an introductory offer for a period of initial six months, the base fare of single journey of AC EMU shall be charged 1.2 times of the base fare of existing fare of single journey first class ticket. The difference between 1.3 times and 1.2 times will be shown in the ticket as discount during the introductory period.
There will also be season tickets for AC local travellers. The weekly, fortnightly and monthly season tickets shall be charged equivalent to 5, 7.5 and 10 single journey of AC EMU respectively. No other type of season tickets shall be issued for the time being.
In addition, MUTP surcharge or any other charges if applicable shall be levied separately as per applicable rate for first class coach. Five per cent GST be levied on the total fare as per the existing principle. The AC train ticket holder will also be allowed to travel by first class compartments of local trains.