Mumbai Local Train Services Update: 238 New AC Trains Approved, But Will Fares Be Affordable?

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday that the government has approved the procurement of 238 new air-conditioned local trains for Mumbai, according to a Midday report. The decision aims to improve the city's suburban railway network and provide better commuting conditions.

Vaishnaw said, "I was in Maharashtra, and during discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding improvements in Mumbai local trains, this matter was raised. We are pleased to announce that the procurement of 238 new local trains has finally been approved." His statement came in response to an issue raised by Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad.

Photo Credit: PTI

Gaikwad, an MP from North Central Mumbai, highlighted the difficulties faced by daily commuters. "The lifeline of Mumbai is now on life support. Travel with me on the local trains during peak hours, and you will understand the reality. So far, 2,468 lives have been lost, and 2,697 people have been injured while commuting on Mumbai's local trains," she said.

Background Of The Plan

The plan to convert all non-AC local trains into AC ones was put on hold in August 2022 after opposition from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The party's president, Sharad Pawar, had called for the complete withdrawal of AC trains, advocating for the restoration of regular services to support working-class commuters.

The proposal for the new AC trains dates back to May 19, 2023, when the Ministry of Railways issued a directive to the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the agency responsible for railway upgrades. The directive instructed MRVC to proceed with the procurement of 238 Vande Metro (suburban) trains under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3 and 3A. These projects are jointly funded by the central and state governments to modernise Mumbai's rail network.

Commuters Welcome The Decision

Commuter associations have welcomed the announcement, stating that it will help ease the congestion on Mumbai's overcrowded local trains.

"This is exciting news for Mumbaikars! The addition of 238 new local trains will significantly reduce overcrowding, increase frequency, and improve commuting conditions," said Mukesh Makhija, a regular AC local train commuter and activist.

However, concerns remain over ticket prices. Subhash Gupta from Mumbai Yatri Sangh said, "The government must resolve the fare issue before introducing these AC trains. Currently, switching to AC local trains means a fare increase from Rs 5 to Rs 50, which is not acceptable. The fare should be adjusted to a more reasonable rate."

The new trains are expected to be introduced in phases, with further details on fare structures and service schedules to be announced in due course.