Western railway plans to increase the number of services

Mumbai, Dec 6 (UNI) Western Railway plans to increase the number of local trains for connecting the areas on the outskirts of the city along with the other railway facilities.

Speaking at an interactive session, organised by the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce, A K Jhingron, General Manager of the Western Railway said the train services from Dahanu to Churchgate will be increased and direct services from Vasai Road to Diva and Dahanu to Mumbra and Navi Mumbai will soon be introduced.

Mr Jhingron said, ''There are more than 1.25 crore people travelling in trains daily, which is more than the population of Australia.

The population in North Mumbai has increased in the last couple of decades and the railways will increase the number of trains plying from Churchgate to Virar very soon. Also, the railway tickets will soon be available from ATM centres all over, Mr Jhingron informed.

Justifying the tatkal system, extra cost of return tickets, increase in cancellation costs and other sources of income for the railways Mr Jhingron said that without profits, the railways nor any organisation can function properly.

''The railways has not increased the ticket fares in the last six years and the money earned is utilized for improving the services,'' Mr Jhingron said.

He said the railway was also working on the expansion of various stations on the Western line for improving the services.

UNI