Mumbai Local Train Services: From 66 To 80 AC Trains—Here's What's Changing This Week

Starting Tuesday, April 16, Central Railway will introduce 14 new air-conditioned (AC) local train services on its main line in Mumbai, according to a Times Now report. This move is expected to bring much-needed relief to commuters during the hot summer months. With these new services, the number of AC local trains running on weekdays will rise from 66 to 80.

Central Railway said this decision will improve passenger comfort. The AC trains will run from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, only non-AC trains will operate, following the current pattern.

However, these new AC services will not increase the total number of trains. Instead, they will replace 14 existing non-AC local trains. So, the overall number of daily local train services on Central Railway's main line will remain the same-1,810 services per day.

Some railway officials have expressed concerns that regular passengers, who depend on non-AC trains for affordable travel, might not be happy with this change. Many daily commuters prefer non-AC trains because they are cheaper. Officials say it will be important to monitor passenger feedback in the coming weeks.

Central Railway Cancels Sunday Mega Block

In other news, Central Railway cancelled its planned Sunday mega block, which was meant for maintenance work. This decision helped avoid major delays and brought relief to thousands of commuters who use the Main and Harbour lines on weekends.

The cancelled block was supposed to take place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Vidyavihar on the Slow Line, and between Kurla and Vashi on the Harbour Line. If the maintenance work had gone ahead, it could have caused disruption to several travellers.

Passengers appreciated the move, as it allowed smoother travel without interruptions on Sunday.